Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s. Only the nameless people are mine.
Chapter One- Formula
Jack ran another scan and the report came back clean. No problems in that area. He ran a different scan and got the same result. He nodded to himself. Mr. Goodwin will be pleased. The doors swished open and, as if on cue, Rex Goodwin entered the room.
“Well, Jack, how does the progress look?”
Jack faced him. “All scans are complete and there are no issues.”
“Excellent,” he said and Jack beamed at the praise.
Jack had only been officially working for Goodwin for a year but the governor had been Jack’s adopted father for twelve years since he was seven. Goodwin occasionally took Jack to work with him at first but as he got older, Jack would assist him with projects. Jack was proud when Goodwin used his company to gain power and become governor of New Domino City. When Jack graduated high school, he immediately applied to work for Goodwin and was hired the same day he applied. He was smart and learned so much about the business while growing up so hiring him was a snap and the employees he knew so well were pleased to have him as a co-worker.
“Jack, since this project is ready to go to production department, perhaps you could help our chemistry department.”
Jack smiled at that. “I love chemistry,” he said as Goodwin gestured for the young man to follow him.
“I know. Your grades were proof of that. The teams there are working on solutions to hopefully cure diseases that currently have no cures. I’m afraid you won’t be helping in any of them directly. You’ll be in charge of organizing the cabinets that hold the ingredients so they can find what they need a lot easier.” At Jack’s look, he added, “Some ingredients have to be added quickly so the bottles are put back hastily.”
“Ah. I see. So, if they need a bottle from the cabinet I’m working on, I could hand it to them.”
“Yes. Precisely, my boy.” The pair entered the chemistry department and the people paused to bow or nod to Goodwin before going back to work. Goodwin led Jack to the first cabinet, gave a set of keys to him to open the cabinets, and gave him a label maker so he can label the shelves to aid in locating a bottle faster. He then left his adopted son to his work while he held quiet conversations with his employees.
“How is the werewolf formula coming along?” he whispered to one group that was far from Jack.
“Very nicely, sir,” the head member whispered back. “A couple of more ingredients to add, letting the liquid simmer for a short time, and it’ll be ready on the second full moon night as you requested.”
“Good because I already have your test subject picked out and the tests I want you to run. Naturally, I’ll be there to witness these tests.” His eyes flicked over to Jack.
The scientist glanced over too. “Your son, sir?”
“I always intended to have him as a test subject but none of the projects seemed right until this formula got started. I believe he will make an excellent werewolf and getting him to take it will not be a problem as he trusts me and I will not tell him what it is or what it does.”
“And the tests, sir?” The conversation was being held in whispers too low for anyone else to hear.
“Some are the usual: Strength, speed, and senses. A vitals test will be conducted daily to insure there are no problems or rejection of the formula. Then, we will test the mythological abilities of werewolves.”
“It would be prudent to take his vitals prior to ingestion.”
“Of course. It would tell us if it will work with no ill effects.”
Jack printed out a label and stuck it to the edge of a shelf. He printed another and applied it next to the first label. He then searched the bottles to find the ones that matched the labels and put them in their proper places. He was deeply immersed in his work as he sorted bottles, made labels, and made the cabinet look a little more organized. Jack found it unbelievable that the cabinets had been this disorganized for years. It’s amazing that they’ve developed as many solutions and formulas as they did with such a disorganized mess. Well, that ends here; with my help, they’ll be able to make more twice as fast.
A few hours later, Goodwin entered the department to find his employees carefully storing and preserving their work. Jack was still working on the first cabinet for both cabinets held several shelves with each one able to hold seven rows from left to right. Jack was storing those he hadn’t organized on the bottom shelves before closing and locking it for the night. He turned and, upon seeing Goodwin, went to him and handed over the keys. Goodwin nodded as he took the keys and then both left the room as it was quitting time.
Jack breathed in the slightly chilly air as they stepped outside and he looked up at the almost full moon. It was a beautiful night and Jack kept admiring it as he joined Goodwin in the limo that would drive them home.
“You did a lot of work on the cabinet today.”
“Hmm.” Jack nodded as the limo stopped at a light. He looked out the window and saw something move. He stared as the head of a gray wolf appeared; what was curious was the wolf had blue eyes. Jack blinked and watched the head pull back into the darkness.
“Jack?”
He looked at Goodwin. “I thought I saw a wolf. One with blue eyes.”
“Blue eyes, you say? My dear Jack, I believe you just saw the rare mythical werewolf.”
“Werewolf? Then, they’re real?”
“Oh, yes, but they’re few and dying out, though no one knows exactly how. They could die just like we do in addition to killing each other on the full moon as supposedly they act like vicious beasts.”
“God,” Jack breathed. “No wonder they’re rare if that’s how they’re dying.”
“Yes. Luckily, our little friend out there is alone and does not run the risk of getting killed by another of its kind.” The light changed and the limo pulled away.
The wolf continued to remain where he stood as he watched the limo leave. He couldn’t see who was inside, even with his night vision, but he knew the governor was in it. He had glimpsed the governor climb into that limo whenever he was in human form. He didn’t want to be caught in wolf form as he could be studied and subjected to tests so that humans could learn more about his kind.
I have no doubt that Goodwin would love to get his hands on me or one of my pack members and I will not allow that.
“Yusei?”
The wolf turned to see a lithe female with brown eyes. “Akiza,” he said with a nod.
“Please come back home. We really shouldn’t be this close to humans at night.”
“You have a point. Still,” he said as they walked. “It is important to know if they’re aware of our presence and what they plan to do to us if they are.” Akiza nodded in agreement.
Chapter Two- Tricked
Jack put the last of the bottles in place and smiled in triumph. He had spent a total of three days organizing the cabinets, counting the half day when he started. He had passed some bottles during this time and some co-workers complimented him on how nice the cabinets looked with their neat rows and labelled shelves.
He closed the cabinet and had just locked it when one scientist said, “Jack, Mr. Goodwin wants to see you in Lab Room three.”
“Lab room three?” he repeated in confusion before saying, “Well, okay.” He left the room and headed to the bottom floor where the company held their tests of completed formulas or new technology. He went down to room three and entered to see an activated screen showing a fiery sunset- the sky currently outside- and Goodwin with two goblets. The older man smiled warmly. “Jack, I have decided to assign you to work in the labs, an exciting place in my opinion. These rooms contain projects and technology being developed. This room is where you will spend most of your time.”
Jack looked to see a bare room and could only surmise that his assignments would come to him and that this room would be outfitted with an office space from which he would work. My own desk and office space. A dream come true.
“Let us drink to your promotion,” Goodwin said holding out a goblet to him. Jack took it and Goodwin held up the second one. “A toast. May your new position help us improve the future for the city.”
Jack lifted his cup and nodded before bringing it to his lips and consuming the entire drink for it was quite sweet and was enough for a few swallows. He licked his lips as he put the cup down. He was about to ask about his desk when he felt a burning spread from his stomach to his entire body.
He folded to his knees and doubled over, groaning in pain. His muscles throbbed painfully before increasing in size. Jack held out his hands to see pads appearing on the palms, his fingers sporting long sharp claws, and gray fur growing on the backs. The fur spread up his arms, his clothes fading away.
How…how am I…? Wait. The drink. It was a formula! I am becoming a werewolf. I just know it. He lifted his head to look at Goodwin with confusion in his eyes.
Goodwin looked back with no compassion in his eyes, his face impassive. “I adopted you years ago as I had intended to use you as a test subject. I did not know what kind of test you would receive but you would be tested on.”
Jack opened his mouth to ream Goodwin out but a growl came out instead. He yipped in shock at this before his nose and jaws pushed out into a muzzle, all his teeth turning sharp and new teeth filling in the gasp. He gritted those teeth as his ears burned and stretched into wolf ears and he saw Goodwin leaving the room as his ears changed.
His legs crunched and popped into wolf legs and his feet morphed into paws, his toenails growing out into extended claws. A tail pushed out behind him and he growled as his eyes showed no human intelligence. He howled as he became a wolf who thought only as a beast.
He whipped his head around to see nothing of interest but a ring of trees…no. He smelled prey. His nose flared as he loped toward it, the holographic scenery changing to give the impression that he was in a real forest. He came upon a rabbit and he growled as he sped toward it, the rabbit fleeing to escape the werewolf. Jack snarled as he raced after it on all fours. He leaped through the air and his hands landed on the rabbit before his head lanced down and savagely bit the neck, killing it. He howled at his success before brutally ripping it apart.
Goodwin and the scientists who developed the formula observed the entire thing in the hall through a one-way mirror. The men murmured to each other as they made notes while Goodwin watched dispassionately.
“Sir, this is incredible,” the team head said. “He is really acting like a vicious beast.”
“That’s because his mind is a beast right now. In the morning, his vitals will need to be checked and compared to the readings you took this morning.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jack stirred as he came to wakefulness. He blinked open his eyes and slowly sat up, looking around the now bare room. Ugh. What…happened? The last thing I remember, I was turning into a wolf. He closed his eyes and rubbed the side of his head, trying to recall last night for the outside screen showed that it was morning.
His eyes flew open to express shock and his face paled. Oh, God. I…I was a vicious beast. I hunted a rabbit and killed it savagely before I ripped it apart as I ate it. The door opened and Jack looked over before glaring at Goodwin who entered along with a scientist and a guard, the latter aiming a taser at him.
“You never really cared about me,” Jack grated.
“I gave you a better life than you would have had at that orphanage,” Goodwin countered. “But now that is over. You will be a test case to understand werewolves better as identifying and catching one is tricky. This way, we will learn about them.”
While Goodwin was talking, the scientist was checking Jack’s vitals as well as his ears, eyes, teeth, and overall body.
“His vitals are the same from yesterday. His muscle mass has increased, his eyesight seems to have improved, and his incisors seem a little longer and sharper,” he reported.
“My hearing and sense of smell are also sharper,” Jack snapped. “I’m also hungry.” He put a hand to his stomach.
“Of course you are,” the scientist said. “You burn energy and calories when you change forms. Just wait here and I will bring your food. What would you like?”
Jack didn’t hesitate to answer. “Meat. Lots of it. I don’t care what state it’s in.”
Goodwin nodded as the scientist left. “Good. You are exhibiting the meat craving of a werewolf. Most likely because of the full moon.”
“Probably. And when will the tests begin?”
“Tonight. I want to see if you will attack a human.”
“You want to see if I’ll kill someone?” Jack whispered in horror.
“No, no. Werewolves usually want to bite a human on the full moon despite their bestial mindset. The killing of a human could come on other nights. I will leave you here to adjust to your new place in life. I will return at sunset with the man who wants to be bitten.” Goodwin and the guard left as the scientist entered with Jack’s breakfast.
Jack’s mouth watered at the food and ate hungrily. He ate until full before he sat there and contemplated the unfair turn his life had taken. He had thought himself lucky to be adopted by Goodwin, but now he knew better.
I’ve been turned into a werewolf and will be subjected to tests, starting with turning another.
Chapter Three- Senses
Jack had entertained himself with some computer games he found and located the file about his werewolf state. It only contained what the scientist had said and what he had said. His comments on his ears and nose prompted him to sit down and close his eyes so as to focus on those two senses.
He started with his hearing. He heard the hum of the computer and the buzz of the overhead lights, but they were louder than what he remembered. He opened his eyes, stood, and put his ear to the one-way mirror. He could hear the people on the other side clearly. He was able to listen to their conversations as they passed.
He turned away and resumed his place on the floor. My hearing is incredible. I can hear so much better that I could eavesdrop without anyone knowing about it. He laughed softly to himself about that before deciding to give his nose closer attention. He had been breathing normally but was smelling scents he never noticed before though he hadn’t given it any thought until now.
He closed his eyes again and took a deep breath through his nose. He sputtered and gagged at the myriad of smells that had rushed up his nose at the same time. How do wolves deal with all those smells? Is there a trick to it? Jack took a normal breath and the smells were not as overwhelming. That’s better. Maybe werewolves don’t breathe deeply or maybe it’s practice. I will certainly find that out for myself.
Jack wandered around his room, sniffing different items once he had confirmed his suspicions that the door was locked. He had tried to ram it open, but it had resisted his efforts. He gave it up in favor of identifying things by smell. I’ll do that with people too when I get the chance.
Goodwin arrived when he said he would and in the company of the head scientist who doubled as a doctor, a security guard, and a police officer whom Jack knew as Tetsu Trudge. Trudge wants to be a werewolf? Jack was surprised that anyone would want to be bitten. He didn’t see why as he himself didn’t know much about being one at this point in time.
The doctor came forward and said, “Jack, I forgot to get a blood sample from you to make sure the formula didn’t cause any ill effects to your blood as it seems your body is not suffering from any effects.”
“Well, we certainly don’t want anything bad to happen to my blood.” Jack made a fist as the doctor stuck in a needle and blood flowed into the needle and down a connected tube that was in turn connected to a vial. When done, he sealed the vial. “Thank you.”
“Sure. Uh, could I…sniff you?”
“What?”
Jack shrugged. “I’ve been testing my ears and nose. I’ve been identifying items by scent and was thinking of doing the same with people.”
“An excellent idea,” Goodwin said. “Go ahead, Jack.”
Jack leaned toward the doctor and sniffed to lock in the smell. He then leaned back and nodded. “Got it.”
“Enjoying your new condition now?” Goodwin asked as the doctor left.
“I like the sharper senses but I can’t say I’m enjoying it as it’s only been twenty-four hours.”
“Yes, of course. Tomorrow will be more interesting as we’ll find out more about your body. Speed, strength, stamina, things like that. Tonight, we will see how the bite works. Will Trudge here transform soon after the bite or on the next full moon?” He smiled and added, “I’ll leave now and once the bite has occurred, the guard will leave and perhaps Trudge too.” Goodwin left, leaving the three men alone.
“Why Trudge?” Jack asked.
“I like the idea of being able to chase criminals on four legs if they choose to flee on foot. Having sharper senses all the time would definitely be a plus and would be fun to play with. How about it, Jack? Give me a sniff before the bite?”
“Why not?” Jack stepped up to the officer and sniffed his unique scent. “All right, I’ve got it locked in.” He turned to the now active monitor. “And just in time too.”
Jack then doubled over, clutching his stomach as last night’s pains came back. Trudge watched in amazement as Jack grew taller as he became a two-legged wolf with clawed hands, gray fur, and purple eyes that showed no human awareness as he turned to Trudge with a growl and baring his sharp teeth.
Trudge pushed down the fear that threatened to overwhelm him. He had nothing to fear. If Jack showed a hint of wanting to kill Trudge, the guard would tase him with enough voltage to down a pack of werewolves. Jack advanced on Trudge, seized his arms, and lanced down, his teeth piercing the flesh. Trudge cried out and swung a foot to kick Jack in the leg. The werewolf yelped and released Trudge who fled the room with the guard in tow. Goodwin locked the door and turned to the officer.
Trudge had a hand pressed to the wound and was breathing heavily. “Damn,” he cursed. “It felt like he was going to tear my arm off. That hurt.”
“Did he have to be tased?”
“No, sir,” the guard said. “The officer kicked Jack’s leg and he released him.”
“And how to you feel, Trudge? Aside from the bite I mean.”
“I feel fine. Guess I won’t change until next month.”
“Perhaps. We’ll inform you of the results of Jack’s various tests so you’ll know what to expect. If you’ll head down the hall, you’ll find the doctor’s office. He’ll tend to your wound.” Goodwin turned to the mirror to watch Jack eat the meat that he had left over and then hunt and kill another rabbit to eat. The room again looked like a forest thanks to the holographic technology. It even smelled like a forest.
It was reasoned that the wolf Jack becomes on the full moon would feel at home in a forest as opposed to the self-aware one he will be tomorrow when asked to change forms.
I’ve heard stories and rumors about werewolves and intend to use Jack to prove or disprove them. One is the ability to change in daylight and Jack will try it. If it works, we will test speed, strength, and stamina among others. I’ve also heard that one must change every night and if that’s true, then Trudge will be in for a surprise. Obviously, a werewolf who’s lived alone or with others would know everything his kind can and can’t do. I would love to capture, study, and question one but they are rare and elusive. We have one in our city. Maybe I can persuade Jack to seek him out and lure him to me. Goodwin smiled at this as Jack howled to the ceiling, though he could not hear it.
&&&&
Two identical pups charged each other and tumbled across the ground, yipping and growling. A wolf with cerulean eyes growled a challenge to Akiza who accepted it and they clashed, slashing and snapping at each other while Yusei gnawed hungrily on a ham bone as he watched his pack.
Technically, he didn’t consider them his pack right now; just wolves he knew by scent. It would only be the light of day that brought back their human minds while the full moon cycle was in progress.
The other wolves recognized Yusei as an alpha wolf during the full moon and while Yusei normally exuded leadership qualities and insured the safety of the others, Yusei did not really consider himself a real true leader, despite what the others thought.
The others did see Yusei as their leader and alpha but did not address him with any title. Only among themselves did they refer to him as alpha. All five were born werewolves or wifewolves as two were female. The identical pups were twins, one male and one female. They had stayed together and took care of themselves until Yusei, Akiza, and the other wolf, Crow, found them. They lived together out of protection, safety, and family. But, for now, they were vicious beasts who fought one another. No one died as the injuries they sustained healed instantly.
Chapter Four- Speed and Strength
Jack was finishing his breakfast when Goodwin and the team who had developed the formula walked in, the latter carrying clipboards. “I hope you’re ready,” Goodwin said.
Jack took a long drink of water, swallowed, and said, “Ready. What’s first?”
“We’re going to the employee’s gym to gauge your speed and strength. You should be faster and stronger now.”
“Great.” Jack was dying to get out of his prison. He’d rather go for a walk outside but anyplace would do at this point. He followed the group up the hall and into the elevator that carried them up to where the gym was located.
“So, speed first?” Jack asked and, with nods, he got onto the treadmill. He started at a walk and increased his speed until he stumbled and allowed himself to be taken to the end of the treadmill. He panted before patting his face and drinking water while the scientists made notes. “How fast was I?”
“A little faster than a normal wolf,” the doctor replied. “We surmised that you would surpass a wolf’s speed just a little but you surpassed it more than we thought. Strength should be a little more than what you usually lift.”
Jack started lifting weights, starting with light weights and was soon lifting his limit with ease and kept going until he could lift no more. He locked it up and sat up, patting his face.
“Impressive. You’ve lifted two and a half times your usual weight.”
“That is impressive and I’m not really tired. A little sore, but not tired.”
There were murmurs as pens moved across the clipped papers. Jack looked around the gym to find something else to test himself. He wasn’t ready to go back to his room.
Goodwin probably sensed this as he said, “I understand your feelings Jack, but the next tests must take place in your room.”
Jack sighed and reluctantly followed the group back to his room, noting the security guards that lined the path back to the room, most likely to insure that he didn’t try to escape. He paused once inside the room that now looked like a high school track and field area. “I don’t understand,” he said.
“You will test speed and strength again but in wolf form. I’ve read stories where werewolves must change at night but can choose to change when they want. Try to change into a wolf, Jack.”
Jack closed his eyes and willed himself to wolf form. He heard murmurs and pen scratching, and suspected that it had worked. He opened his eyes and saw everything was taller. He looked down to see gray paws instead of hands. He then slowly turned to see a nicely muscled body and a full tail. He laughed lightly. I look just like any other werewolf.
“Very good, Jack. Let’s see how fast you are with four legs.”
“Gladly.” He walked to the track, noticing how easy it was. Either it is instinct or my two full moon nights. Could be both. He struck a pose and, with a whistle blast, he took off around the track, running lap after lap until he stopped, panting.
“The same speed as before,” the doctor said.
“How do we test strength? I can’t exactly lift weights.” He lapped up some water from a bowl that was offered to him.
“The strength of a wolf is when one tackles an object or living creature. We’ve already noted the strength of your bite the last two nights when hunting and Officer Trudge’s bite.”
“Wait,” Jack said. “If the stories are true then Trudge will change tonight and so will I.”
“Yes. That will be your last test today. Of course, if you wish to test yourself after that, feel free to do so. Now, your strength test.” He pushed a button on the wall and the floor opened up; out of the holes came tackling dummies. “Each one has different weights. I think it’s obvious what you have to do.”
“It is.” Jack ran and leaped at the first one and he easily bowled it over. He maintained his momentum and struck the next one with ease. His next target took a little more force to knock over as did the one after it. The fifth target took a good deal of strength to knock over but the sixth one he could not budge. He backed away and headed for the water.
“The last one’s really heavy,” Jack said between laps of water.
“As were the other, Jack. The fifth one was 500 hundred pounds.”
“That’s almost the same amount I lifted earlier,” Jack gasped, shocked at this revelation.
“And imagine what could be accomplished if two or more werewolves worked together.”
Jack was astounded with how strong he was and how fast he could run as a werewolf. He was not angry at being tricked anymore, not after what he had just learned.
He then yawned and returned to human form. Goodwin simply smiled. “Go ahead and rest. You’ve had quite a busy morning and you’ll want to be well-rested for tonight’s test.” Jack settled on a futon that was brought in while he was at the gym. The others left and Jack was soon fast asleep.
“Impressive,” Goodwin remarked. “The speed and strength of a werewolf is greater than we thought.” He turned to the doctor. “You’ve analyzed his blood?”
“Yes, sir. Your supposition of being able to manipulate his shapeshifting power was correct. I will easily be able to create a serum to keep him in wolf form during daylight hours.”
“Good. Get started on it. There will soon be a time when Jack will refuse to transform for tests so we need a way to force him.”
“Sir,” the doctor said. “One of the tests is seeing if he can turn one outside of the full moon and in daylight.”
“Yes and I already have someone eager to be bitten.”
Jack awoke to find a modest lunch and a pile of meat set aside along with plenty of juice and water. He used the small bathroom to wash and use the toilet before setting down to lunch. After that, Jack dragged a chair that had been brought in with his futon over to the computer to check his file’s updates before playing some games and reading digital books. He found the holographic program and wondered if he would be able to use paws to activate and de-activate it until he found the voice response command. Perfect. He activated the voice option and then turned on the outside monitor to check the sky.
Hmm, it’s almost sunset. I have a little time to put the chair back so I’ll have room to run and play; that is if I do change at night. He put the chair beside his futon and moved to the center. He suspected he was being watched to see if he would change. Jack also wondered if it would hurt. It didn’t earlier but that was a voluntary change. This one won’t be. He watched the sun go down and felt a warmth wash over him. He looked down to see paws and he swished his tail. That didn’t hurt at all. It was pleasant, actually. He then went to eat as his stomach growled. He ate his fill before he called, “Activate program forty-two a.” The track and field appeared and Jack ran and leaped as he worked off his meal. He did not care if someone was watching; he was more interested in enjoying his wolf form and truly learning what he could do and how his body moved.
Goodwin and the team watched Jack run and play, the former knowing that Trudge would not be happy when he called in the morning.
Chapter Five- Weapons
“Mr. Goodwin, you didn’t say anything about changing at night,” Trudge complained. “I had to call in sick last night.”
“I had no idea that would happen. It was one of Jack’s tests. Tell me, Trudge: Did it hurt?”
“No, sir. I felt a warm feeling all over and then I was on four paws.”
“I see. Then, the pain is restricted to the full moon. In any event, I will call your supervisor and tell him about you being a werewolf so you can work out a new schedule.”
“Thanks. What other tests did Jack have?”
“Speed and strength in both forms. His human form demonstrated speed a little faster than a normal wolf and his strength had increased by two and a half times. He still had plenty of stamina to repeat the tests once we found he could change into a wolf in daytime. Speed remained the same and strength showed he was capable of tackling a dummy weighing 500 pounds.”
“Whoa. Then, that applies to me as well.”
“Indeed, Trudge. Today, we will test his reflexes by attacking him with blades, bullets, chains, lasers, and electricity. We also want to see if he can turn another in daylight and outside the full moon.”
“You got another volunteer?”
“Oh yes and she is just as eager as you were. I have already told her what we’ve learned and accepted the fact that she’ll be a wolf at night if it works. Now, I will talk to your supervisor.” Goodwin and Trudge ended their call and Goodwin put a call to Trudge’s boss.
Jack had finished breakfast when the door opened. He looked to see Goodwin, the doctor, a few security guards that were armed, and Mina, Goodwin’s secretary. The doctor checked Jack out before Goodwin said, “Today is going to be harder as we test your reflexes, but first Mina here wants to see if a bite in daylight and outside the full moon will still work.”
“She does?”
Mina nodded. “I’d like to be a wifewolf if it’s possible. I have a little idea of what I’m getting into.”
“Well, okay.” Jack shifted to wolf form and Mina crouched in front of him with her arm exposed. Jack latched on and firmly but gently bit her. She gasped at the bite and then smiled as she stood and left, a hand pressed to the wound.
Jack flexed his paws and stretched his legs in preparation for his reflex tests, the presence of the guards now clear. He noted the different types of weapons and felt extreme curiosity for the guns and laser. He knew dodging bullets and beams was practically impossible but perhaps a werewolf could dodge them? I’ll find out soon enough.
“I devised one more strength test,” Goodwin said. “Rope will obviously not work, so we will try chains.” He nodded to one guard who approached Jack and tightly wound the chains around him. “Try to break free,” Goodwin said.
Jack flexed his muscles and the chains snapped off. “Easy,” he said.
“So it seems. All right. Then, let’s begin the reflex test. First up are swords and knives.”
Jack focused on the first one who was wielding a sword. The man swung the sword and Jack saw it coming as if in slow motion and he simply sidestepped it before leaping away as the man changed the direction of the swing. The one with the knife came at him and he ducked and moved away from the blade.
“Impressive, Jack. Your reflexes have improved.”
“That was easy. It was like slow-motion to me.”
“Indeed? Then, let’s move on to bullets. That should be more of a challenge.”
Jack tensed as the gunman came forward and took aim. He watched as the trigger was being squeezed and he jumped aside as the shot rang out. The bullet struck the floor where Jack had been standing. Jack dodged the other shots, surprising everyone, even Jack.
Goodwin moved on to lasers and electricity, both almost being near hits but Jack was able to avoid them.
“Nice,” Goodwin said as notes were made. “Trudge will be thrilled to hear that his reflexes are better than before as well as his strength against chains.”
Jack resumed human form. “My reflexes in wolf form are nice, but about when human?”
“I suppose we could do that with the blades and laser as the bullets are gone.” He gestured and the swordsman came at Jack again who avoided the blade once more. The laser barely missed and Jack was concerned of what would happen if it did hit him. I’m an experiment. Isn’t it in the best interest to assure an experiment’s safety?
“Enough,” Goodwin said. “We have enough data to sift through and there’s Mina to see if she transforms tonight. Jack, we will test your supernatural abilities tomorrow.” Goodwin and the others left and Jack frowned a little. What abilities is he talking about? I learned a lot about myself…except for my weaknesses and advantages! Jack bit his lip. If that was what tomorrow’s tests were going to be, he was going to insist that they not go forward. And if they insist on doing them, I will refuse to comply. I’m fine with not knowing my weaknesses and I can learn of my advantages on my own.
Mina studied the notes and videos of Jacks’s tests, her wound bandaged and resting on her lap. She had known Jack for years and felt fond of the boy, though nothing certainly romantic. Her first video was of Jack’s first transformation and it horrified her to see the young man she had known become a vicious beast and savagely kill a rabbit to eat. “My God, he’s an animal,” she breathed to Goodwin who was behind her.
“Well, yes. The full moon renders one to a vicious wolf. One recalls vague impressions in the morning. I would think the enhanced senses and faster reflexes as well as the speed and strength would make up for that.”
“Yes, all of that does make up for it and it’s only for three nights.”
“And you are about to see if you will change.”
“I hope so.” She rose from her seat and backed away to the center of the office. “It won’t hurt, will it?”
“No. It seems the full moon change is the only painful one.”
Mina nodded and then gasped as a warm feeling washed over her and she blinked as everything was now taller. She suspected why that way and looked down to see gray paws instead of hands and that the bandage had come off due to the muscles that had enlarged. She laughed in joy. “It worked. I’m a wifewolf.”
Goodwin smiled in amusement at Mina’s reaction. She and Trudge would not be injured in learning about werewolves: That was Jack’s job. Tomorrow, we will learn what weakens a werewolf as well as what they are immune to. Jack may refuse to change. Luckily, the serum is ready and takes effect immediately once injected. It will be a big day tomorrow and, regrettably, a likely painful one for Jack.
Chapter Six- Abuse
Jack stirred when he heard the doors open and the clink of metal. He exhaled as he opened his eyes and sat up to see Goodwin and a lot more men and weapons. One was replacing two floor panels with ones that had a metal ring on them.
“What are those for?” he asked as the doctor checked him over.
“Part of your next test. By the way, Mina changed last night. Your bite works at any time. Now, we will see what weakens you and what advantages you have. I’ve complied a list we will test and-,”
“No.”
Goodwin raised an eyebrow. “No?”
“No. I will not comply with these tests. I say we’re done with them.”
“Do you?” Goodwin smirked and then chuckled. “Jack, you have no authority over what we do with you. You are an experiment, nothing more.”
Jack stood. “You need me to become a wolf to test your theories and I will not do it.” He then gasped and saw a needle being withdrawn. He felt the familiar warmth and was a wolf again.
He yelped as he was seized and hauled toward the panels. “I suspected that you would stop cooperating so the doctor studied the blood sample he took from you,” Goodwin said as Jack was shackled to the floor. Each leg had a manacle on it and a length of chain was threaded through the manacles and the ring on the floor, front legs chained together and back legs chained together. “He created a serum to force you into wolf form during the day which will wear off once night falls. Now, those manacles are steel with a small core of silver. It is believed that silver weakens a werewolf in some fashion.”
Jack whined as he felt his super strength fade slightly. He was still strong as always, but he also felt ill from the silver. But I’m not going to tell them any of this.
“Ah, it seems there is a little truth to it,” Goodwin said at Jack’s whine. “Very well. Now, let’s test our weapons on you properly.” He pointed at Jack and the swordsman charged forward, whipping the sword around and toward the side of Jack’s body. The edge swished forward and the blade shattered on contact, the metal pinging as the pieces hit the floor.
The humans blinked at this and so did Jack. The one with the knife slammed it forward and it too broke. “Gunmen, fire!” Goodwin ordered. The guns were brought up and shots rang out, however, they bounced harmlessly off Jack’s body and head.
A thin laser beam grazed Jack’s side and he howled in pain. He howled again as electricity was pumped into him. He panted from the aftereffects as notes were made by the doctor who also checked Jack’s body.
Goodwin then approached Jack as the doctor backed up. He crouched down and snapped a metal clamp around his muzzle, keeping his jaws shut to prevent being bitten. “Normal blades and bullets don’t work but perhaps a silver blade will have some effect.” Goodwin pulled out a switchblade and a silver blade snapped out before Goodwin slashed it across Jack’s cheek.
Jack loudly whined at the sting and burn of the slash. He felt it again as Goodwin drew it across a leg and Jack was shocked to see a cut and blood welling up. Goodwin stood and walked out of Jack’s view but he felt another cut to a leg and then the side where the laser had grazed him. He felt other cuts strike before Goodwin stood before him.
“Well,” he said as he headed for the door with the others. “I think we’ll leave you to, ahem, lick your wounds so to speak. You can use this time to think of cooperating tomorrow. If not, well, perhaps we’ll kill you with silver bullets.” The door slid shut but Jack did not hear it lock. Why should they? I’m chained, injured, ill, and weak.
I don’t intend to cooperate with tomorrow’s test so they’ll kill me. There’s only one thing to do: I must escape. Jack pulled a leg against the chains and the chain snapped off the manacle. He stood on the chain and snapped it off the other foreleg. He yanked a back leg free and snapped the chain off the other back leg. He stood there and winced as his injuries throbbed.
He looked up at the clock above the door. It’s almost lunch hour. That would be the perfect time to escape. Odds are they won’t realize I’m gone until tomorrow which means they don’t plan to feed or water me today as a clear punishment.
When the bell for lunch hour rang, Jack feigned sleep while listening to employees leaving the floor. Once he heard silence, he limped to the door which opened. He limped down the hall to an emergency exit door which he knew had no alarm as it was an exit in the event of a fire. He pushed it open and was out the door and in an alley. His tail swished rapidly. He was out! He was free! He hurried as best he could away from the building, sticking to alleys. He tried to change back but nothing happened. The serum was doing its job.
The silver was doing its job too. His strength hadn’t faded further but he felt worse than ever, sick-wise. He cut through a park and to a slightly shabby side of the city. The houses were cared-for, though, and occupied; his nose told him so.
His nose flared and he paused before sniffing again. Yes, there was the scent of wolves. He followed it up to a house; as he climbed the stairs, he felt dizzy. He knocked on the door and as he heard footsteps approach, he collapsed and fell unconscious.
He heard voices, near and far, whispering and felt something soft under him. His muzzle felt lighter meaning the clamp was off. He groaned and opened his eyes to see a young woman about his age sitting in a chair before him. Her eyes lit up and she smiled gently. “You’re awake.” She turned and called, “Everyone, he’s awake. No, stay there.” She spoke the last sentence to Jack who was trying to get up. She put a hand on his shoulder blade and pushed slightly. “You’re sick and need to rest. You’re safe here.”
Four other people entered and there was clear relief on their faces. One man with black and yellow hair came closer and Jack sensed that this was the leader. He exuded confidence though it was tightly controlled. “I’m glad you’re awake. We got the clamp and manacles off, despite the silver in them. It will take time for you to recover and you’re welcome to stay until you’re well.”
“Thank you…alpha.”
The man bristled. “I’m not an alpha. My name’s Yusei.”
“Yusei, then. I appreciate the offer.” Jack felt disappointed. He had hoped he’d be taken in but it seemed this…pack did not accept stray wolves. My best bet is to get out of New Domino City and start a new life elsewhere.
“You’re welcome.” Yusei gestured to the others. “This is Akiza, Crow, Leo, and Luna. What’s your name?”
“Jack.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Akiza said. “How did you end up at our house?”
“I smelled the scent of wolves and hoped to get help.” He sighed as he relaxed in the bed, his eyes feeling heavy. Akiza stroked his head. “Go ahead and sleep, Jack. Someone will bring up some meat later. It’ll help heal your cuts.”
Jack’s eyes slid shut and sleep stole into his head, feeling safe among his own kind.
Chapter Seven- Pack
The feel of fur brushing his forehead roused him from sleep. He slowly opened his eyes to see a gray wolf with brown eyes; eyes that were familiar. “Akiza?”
She nodded. “You feeling any better?”
“Yes. I still feel ill but I’m feeling better.”
“Good,” came Yusei’s voice. “I’ve got food to deal with the cuts.” Yusei pushed a rolling cart with his head and in front of Jack. Jack shifted gingerly to sitting to take in the meat and water. He looked at Yusei to thank him and gaped at blue eyes that were familiar.
“I saw you days ago,” he whispered.
“What?”
“The night before the full moon. I was riding with the governor and while at a traffic light, I saw your face and eyes.”
Yusei found Jack’s words intriguing as Jack ate and was about to ask a question when Leo and Luna rushed in.
“Yusei, we think the governor’s looking for Jack,” Leo said.
“What makes you say that?” Yusei asked.
“He just made an announcement that his adopted son, Jack, is missing and that he would be in the company of a wolf. There was a picture of his son Jack and our Jack here.”
Jack then flinched and shook. They found me gone sooner than I thought.
The four wolves looked at him. “Are you the governor’s son?” Akiza asked.
He slowly nodded before saying desperately, “Please don’t turn me in. I just escaped from there. I don’t want to go back.”
“Escaped?” Yusei repeated curiously.
“I was human until the second night of the full moon. I was tricked into drinking a formula that turned me into a werewolf. He then had me tested with today’s tests being the worst. I had refused to continue the tests so they used a serum to force me into wolf form for the day. They used blades, bullets, lasers, and electricity on me. Goodwin caused the cuts with a silver switchblade.”
“That’s…awful,” Luna said in horror. “Yusei, we can’t send him back.”
“Of course not. Jack is just like us and we stay together for protection and safety. He’ll stay here and this is your room now, Jack.”
“Thank you,” Jack choked, touched. “Really, thank you.”
“Perhaps you could tell us what you were tested on and we can tell you what was missed or what you don’t know.”
“I vaguely recall the full moon the next morning, I tried out my hearing and sense of smell, I bit a man on the last full moon and a woman last night, I’ve had my speed and strength tested in both forms as well as my reflexes, and today I found that blades and bullets cannot touch me.”
“Wait. There are two more like us?” Akiza asked.
“They volunteered willingly, unlike me.”
“Well,” Yusei said. “You did miss some things. Not a surprise considering we safeguard the parts humans would covet. As we’ve said, some meat will heal any injuries inflicted by silver while being exposed or injured by silver will make us ill. You’ll be well in the morning.”
“Good.”
Yusei gave a wolf’s grin at the comment. “We do get cuts and bites from each other but they heal instantly. We usually hurt each other on the full moon as two or more wolves tend to fight each other due to our nature to be brutal at those times.
“We’re impossible to kill and once one is fully mature, their aging slows and become virtually immortal.”
“Goodwin would love to have that ability. So, what does kill us?”
“A broken spine and decapitation done by a werewolf or wifewolf. That occurred often in the past if the offender committed a terrible crime. Nowadays, we stick together for protection as there are few of us left.”
“There won’t be if Trudge or Mina bite someone.”
“What do they do?” Akiza asked.
“Trudge is a police officer and Mina is Goodwin’s secretary.”
“Yes, I remember Trudge,” Yusei said. “He seemed to suspect that I wasn’t human. He tailed me one day at sunset. I gave him the slip long enough to change and then resumed human form. He stopped following me after that.”
“Wait. You can be human at night?”
“We can, but only for an hour. If Goodwin puts Trudge on your tail, he’ll likely end up coming here.”
Jack whined. “Maybe I should leave tomorrow morning.”
Yusei shook his head. “You’re a part of the pack now. We will not allow Trudge or anyone else to take you away from us.”
Jack chuckled a little. “You say you’re not an alpha, but you sure act like one.”
“Everyone else says that too. I think I’ll go and listen to the humans concerning your disappearance.” Yusei walked out with the twins in tow.
“He is an alpha,” Akiza said as Jack ate the last bite of meat and then drank some water. “I think he’s afraid of leading as one of us could be seriously hurt while on errands he sends us out to do.”
“That is a possibility but one shouldn’t be afraid to lead because of that.”
“You’re right. We see Yusei as an alpha but we don’t address him as such. We do use it when talking about him when he’s not around.”
“Is he immortal?”
“No. None of us are. The twins are eleven and the rest of us are seventeen or eighteen. How old are you?”
“Nineteen.”
“I find it curious that your father would do this to you.”
“I was confused about that as I was changing and he admitted that he adopted me to be a test subject one day. I was seven when he adopted me.”
“He intended for you to be a test subject?” Akiza snarled.
“That’s what he said. I trusted him, loved him like a father, and he betrayed me.”
Akiza didn’t know what to say. She had been raised by two loving parents until they were declared enemies of the pack and were killed. Akiza had managed to flee and came here where she met Yusei and Crow who took her in. A year later, they took in the twins, making them a pack of five.
There’s six of us now. Yusei declared him a member and Jack accepted it. She nuzzled Jack in a gesture of comfort and his tail swished at it.
Yusei paused in an alley before taking human form. He mingled among the humans and listened with his sharp ears. Goodwin’s report was the topic of discussion. Some suspected Jack of stealing an experimental wolf that could benefit mankind for his own personal gain. Others thought Jack was freeing a wolf from being a test subject. All agreed that Jack should be returned to Goodwin.
That won’t happen. Jack has made it clear that he doesn’t want to go back and I won’t let him be taken away. He’s one of us and will stay with us.
Chapter Eight- Tracked
“Trudge, as you heard, Jack escaped. He’s out there somewhere, possibly hiding where he thinks no one will find him. You’ll be able to find him by scent. Track him down and bring him back.”
“Yes, sir.” Trudge saluted and left the office with fierce determination in his eyes. Goodwin adopts Jack, raises him, gives him the gift of the werewolf, and how does he repay him? By running away. Well, he won’t be free for long. I’ll find him and drag him back. Trudge went to Lab Room Three where Jack’s scent was strongest. He breathed deeply, locking in the wolf scent. He exited and sniffed around. The trail led to an emergency exit. He went through it and into an alley that circumvented the block and avoided the notice of people.
Trudge nodded. Makes sense. Jack was stuck in wolf form yesterday. He had to stick to alleys to avoid causing a panic. Trudge sniffed as he followed Jack’s scent. He could be hiding in the park; the perfect place for a wolf to live in; even a werewolf. Trudge was therefore surprised when the scent went through the park and into a shabby part of town. Why come here? Is he planning to leave town? How does he…? Trudge’s thoughts trailed off as his nose flared. He smelled Jack’s scent near a house along with the scents of other wolves. A grin broke out on his face. I found a pack! Goodwin will reward me well if I bring him more werewolves in addition to Jack. He marched up the steps and knocked with authority.
“Crow, what if you’re shot with silver bullets?” Jack asked as everyone, minus Yusei, sat in the living room.
“We have an aggressive defense system equipped for when silver gets into our bodies. The system pushes the item out. It hurts and we are still ill as it is silver.”
“But we do recover,” Jack said.
“Oh, yeah. Only a werewolf or wifewolf can kill us by breaking the spine and beheading us.”
A knock sounded and the pack watched Yusei go past the room and head for the door. Leo peeked out the curtains to look at the door. “It’s a police officer,” he said a second before they heard Yusei say, “Officer Trudge.” Jack paled at this. Yusei was right. Trudge tracked me.
Yusei headed to the door, curious about who was at their door. They never had visitors, Jack being their first. He opened the door and neutrally said, “Officer Trudge.”
“Yusei,” the officer said and smelled wolf on the young man. He bared a grin. “I was right. You’re not human.”
“You’re not human, either,” Yusei replied calmly. He kept his nervousness buried, knowing Trudge could smell it like any werewolf or wifewolf could.
“I’ll get to the point, then. I know Jack’s here. Hand him over.”
“No.”
“What?”
“No. We took him in and nursed him back to health yesterday and last night I declared him a part of our pack. You will not take him as packs stay together.”
“Jack is an escaped experiment. You are housing a fugitive.”
“No. He is a werewolf with nowhere to go. We took him in and he’s a part of the pack. He has a true family now. Leave him and us be.” He shut the door.
Trudge gave a wolf’s snarl as he stormed down the stairs. I need to get a warrant to seize Jack. I’ll report to Goodwin first.
&&&&
Goodwin frowned as Trudge gave his report. “I had thought we had one werewolf here, not five of them. You, Mina, and Jack bring the total to eight. This Yusei confirms a story on my list of werewolves. Jack was made a part of a pack and we cannot grab him.”
“We’re going to let him go?”
“Yes, as much as I hate to admit it. Packs stay together. That is also true it seems.”
“Your werewolf project is a success, sir. You managed to create three.”
“Yes, and I have one more test left. Werewolves can be born, bitten, or created. My question is, can two bitten wolves actually conceive? You and Mina will become mates and try to have at least one were-child.”
“That will take some time,” Trudge said.
“Indeed, but I expect you to try.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I will make an announcement very soon that Jack is free to wander and no longer a wanted man. Trudge, I require a favor.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Bite me.”
There was a squawk from the city speakers before Goodwin’s voice came from them, reaching every corner of the city. “Citizens of New Domino City, I officially declare that my son, Jack, is free to do as he wishes. He is old enough to forge his own path in whatever way he wants. Good luck, Jack.” The system shut off.
Jack could hardly believe his ears. “I’m free, really free,” he said in a soft tone.
“Good,” Crow said. “I didn’t like the idea of you being confined to the house just to avoid being captured.”
“Yes, but it’s better than what I had. I was confined to one room all the time. I did leave it briefly but I was escorted to the employee’s gym and then back to my room.”
“You have your freedom now,” Yusei said.
“I also have a family. I heard you tell Trudge that.”
“And I meant it. When you accepted the offer to stay, that made you a brother to all of us.”
Jack looked around him. “I never had siblings.”
“Aside from the twins, none of us did. Crow and I met when we were twelve and lived on the streets and the park, mostly in wolf form. Akiza came to the city two years ago and met us.”
“We met them a year ago,” Leo said. “This house is where Luna and me grew up and we asked them to live with us.”
That explains the furniture. The twins lived here and now a pack lives here. I have two sisters and three brothers now. I will be happy and free here.
“Yusei, the way you told Trudge off! That was so cool!” Leo exclaimed with a grin.
“Just like an alpha would do,” Akiza added.
“I’m not an alpha,” Yusei protested. “We settled that a year ago.”
“Yusei, every pack has an alpha,” Akiza said. "That is especially the one who has the qualities of a leader, one who the others will gladly follow. Also…you have the scent of an alpha. It makes your wolf scent a little different from ours.”
Everyone breathed deeply and Jack said, “I smell it. It’s subtle, but it’s there.”
Yusei sighed in defeat. “I guess I shouldn’t fight it anymore. All right, I’m the alpha, but this doesn’t change how this pack runs.”
“Except we can call you alpha from time to time,” Crow said.
Yusei couldn’t help grinning as night fell and everyone shifted forms. The pack had a new member and he had finally accepted a role and title that had always been his. He howled in joy and the other echoed it.
Chapter Nine- Epilogue
Jack, wearing a white jumpsuit with accent colors and a pair of black boots, strode among the people who smiled or nodded to him as they passed. Two weeks since being vindicated had passed and he was seeing some changes that were tailored to werewolves: Some butcher shops, werewolf accessible restrooms and furniture, and isolated park sections only for werewolves, particularly on the full moon. The people had been told of the existence of werewolves living among them who were benign and they were seeming to be accepting of the idea of living alongside werewolves though they didn’t know the identities of the werewolves or how many there were.
Goodwin is responsible for these changes as he was the one to announce our existence, but why? What purpose is there for telling the people that my kind exist and are living here? Jack looked around at the additions while relishing his one hour as a human at night. A quartet of police sirens sounded and the people watched as two cars came to a halt as they faced the way they came. A black car soon came tearing up the road with two more police cars behind it. The car came to a stop at seeing two cars in front of it. The suspect was boxed in and the officers emerged, one of them being a gray wolf coming from the passenger’s side of one car!
Trudge padded to the driver’s door. “All right, driver. Out of the car! It’s over!” The door opened and the driver emerged, hands in the air and trembling as he looked at Trudge who had his claws out and his teeth bared. The other officers approached, cuffed the suspect, and put him in one car before driving off and the other three returning to patrol.
Trudge looked at the crowd. “All right. Show’s over. Move along.” The people did as asked, except one which caught Trudge’s attention. He headed over with a slack-jawed expression. “Jack!? How…?”
Jack crouched down. “I learned that we can be human at night but only for one hour,” he whispered.
“Really? Learn that from your pack, did you?”
“I did. You may want to tell your boss that.”
“Oh, I will. So, like the new changes?”
“I do. I imagine Goodwin did this.”
“Yes as well as tolerance toward werewolves. I found a small private spot in the park that is perfect for me.”
“It seems the spot my pack prefers is designated for our use as well.” He checked his watch. “I should finish my walk. I’ve got about twenty minutes left.”
“Go ahead. I have to start my rounds.” Jack stood and strode off in one direction while Trudge went in the opposite one.
Jack looked around for a butcher shop and spied one with a little alley beside it: The perfect place to wait out his remaining time as a human. He turned to it and he sniffed at smelling a werewolf. It wasn’t one he was familiar with and concluded that it had to be Mina as she was the only wolf he hadn’t smelled. He also smelled wolf blood which alarmed him. He rushed into the alley and spied an injured werewolf as females have a slender look. There were cuts all over his body that were clearly caused by silver. He knelt down and gently lifted the head. The werewolf opened his eyes that were pale blue and looked blearily at him. “Jack?” he whispered.
Jack recoiled at recognizing the voice. “Goodwin!?” he gasped.
“Yes. I asked Trudge to bite me the day he tracked you.”
“Then, all the changes and policies were to protect you.”
“Trudge too as well as Mina, your pack, and you.” He whined. “I’m not feeling very well.”
“Not a surprise,” Jack said dryly. “I was ill from the silver in the manacles and my own cuts. There is a remedy. In about a minute, I’ll be a wolf again and can bring you some meat to heal the cuts. Rest will also aid in healing and you’ll be well in the morning.”
“I see. Jack, how can you be human right now?”
“It’s an ability werewolves have but only for an hour.” Jack felt his familiar warmth and was back in wolf form. He padded out of the alley and into the shop. He altered his voice to hide his identity as he asked for some meat. The owner gave him a bag, Jack nodded his thanks and carried it back to the alley. He opened the bag with his claws so both could eat. Jack watched as the cuts on Goodwin’s body sealed and vanished.
“How did you end up injured?” Jack asked.
“I left the office early to inspect the new additions and ask the people how they feel about my policies concerning werewolves. A group of four youths disagreed with them. I noticed that they had switchblades like mine and opted to leave. I neglected to keep an eye on the sky and my watch and changed in front of them. They were on me in an instant. I couldn’t mount a defense until I thought of baring my teeth. That sent them running and I managed to hide here. I felt like I was going to die.”
“You won’t. Fully mature wolves’ aging slows and they become virtually immortal.”
“Really? Heh. So, Jack, I suppose you find it fitting that I ended up injured and ill just as you were.”
“A little,” he admitted. “But you didn’t deserve it. No one does.”
“It was necessary to know your weaknesses and advantages.”
“The switchblade was not necessary. I was already ill from the manacles.”
“If you had cooperated then you wouldn’t have been cut.”
Jack snarled as he stood and paced back and forth. “You adopted me to be a test subject and betrayed my love and trust for you. I had an inkling of what tests you had planned so of course I wasn’t going to cooperate! Would you?”
“No,” he said softly after some silence. “I would not have. I’m sorry, Jack. I mean it this time.”
Jack exhaled. “Okay and I’m sorry I yelled at you. You’re sick and don’t need to be yelled at.”
“It’s quite all right. I do deserve it. So…your pack. Who are they?”
“Sorry, I won’t tell you and my alpha wants us to tell no one we’re werewolves.”
“I know Yusei is one. Trudge told me and that he smelled four others.”
“And that is all you’ll know. I won’t betray my alpha’s trust.”
“Yes, of course.” Goodwin knew he could locate the house easily by asking Trudge to lead him. I won’t though. Jack is a free man. I may be governor but I won’t abuse my power. I could seek them out myself using my nose. “You can go, Jack. I’ll just rest here until I feel better.”
“All right.” Jack left and headed for home to tell the others what he had discovered.
“Goodwin’s a werewolf?” Yusei asked.
Jack nodded. “He was injured and ill like I was. He asked if I found his situation fitting and I admitted it did a little but no one deserves it.”
“I assume you tended to him,” Akiza said.
“Yes. I also shared our longevity and our one hour human at night which I shared with Trudge too.”
Yusei nodded. “That is what one should do. We need to look out for others even if they’re not part of the pack.”
“You’re right…alpha,” Jack said and Yusei preened at the title. Jack felt good at seeing Yusei accept his title and looked forward to being a werewolf and having a happy life.
