Disclaimer: I don’t own Voltron: Legendary Defender. Lillian, Evan, Carmine, Sophie, Thomas, Debbie, Brandon, and Dean are my characters, though. I finally named the werewolf hunters from the original story as they have a bigger role this time. I recommend reading, ‘Werewolves’ otherwise this story won’t make sense.
Chapter One- Twenty Years Later
How is this possible? Thomas, Keith’s former adopted father, wondered as he scoured the Internet for the who knew what time in the past twenty years. He simply could not find any weaknesses on werewolves. Oh, there were speculations on what weakened or killed them, but most were ones the family had tried on Keith.
Thomas turned off the Internet and the monitor before leaning back in his chair. His family and he had gone down to the basement the morning after the ritual to find Keith gone and they had spent weeks looking for the teen before giving up, believing Keith had moved away. All four then spent years amassing a variety of weapons for the purpose of attacking werewolves and finding what did work.
However, they hadn’t found any werewolves and Thomas’ wife, Debbie, and their sons, Brandon and Dean, went about their lives while he continued to research werewolves. Thomas and Debbie were now in their sixties while Brandon was forty-five and Dean was forty-two. The sons still lived with their parents and still single. It didn’t worry Thomas and Debbie that they wouldn’t have any grandchildren to train to be werewolf hunters as well. They could always adopt children to educate. He nodded before getting up and preparing for bed, vowing that he would find and kill at least one werewolf before he died.
&&&&
Alfor sat at the table in what he called his Conquest Room, the large map of his territory spread out in front of him. He lightly shaded in the city where Keith and Katie lived with their twin girls who were officially eighteen and immortal. It has been twenty years, but now I am ready to add this city to my territory. I added the city where my daughter and grandson live ten years ago and had some of the humans there turned into wolves. Now is the time to expand again. It is curious, though. The city is not far from my home and yet I did not add it before. I know why: I had other duties in my other territories and I was busy assimilating Allura’s new city and doting on my grandson. But no matter. I am claiming it now and I will have Keith’s last foster family turned and brought here as servants.
“Sire?”
Alfor rose from his chair and turned to see Krolia, head of the guards, kneeling. “Krolia. Excellent timing. The time to expand my land westward is now. There is a city a few hours by car or plane that is ripe for conquest. You will be in charge of bringing others for me to turn.”
“Yes, sire. I assume the mayor is a target?”
“Of course. There is also a family of four amateur werewolf hunters. They will be brought to me to be turned. They will be palace servants as the ancient laws dictate.”
“Yes, sire. I will need Keith’s address so that I can know where they live.”
“I will provide it for you once we are in our hotel rooms. Gather your best guards for we will head out by cars in one day.”
Krolia rose, bowed, and left as Alfor rubbed his hands eagerly. He loved claiming new land and this one especially. Katie and Keith will not need to hide what they and their girls are as the mayor and others will be like them. He reached into a pocket and pulled a phone out.
&&&&
Two black wifewolves pranced in a large backyard, playfully growling at each other as they wrestled and played, slashing and snapping at each other with no sign of injury. Their antics were being watched by their parents who were in a greenhouse nearby.
Katie and Keith were still eighteen like their daughters, but publicly they affected the look of almost forty-year-olds to avoid suspicion. They raised the girls as Katie had been raised: They were taught about their heritage and had them attend public school using Katie’s last name as Keith was still concerned that the hunters would find him and kill them as they may have learned what kills werewolves.
A startled yelp prompted Katie to call, “Not so hard, Carmine.”
“Yes, Mom,” Carmine replied.
Katie shook her head slightly as she harvested some peppers. “Your daughter is sometimes a little too rough on her older sister.”
“Sophie is just as rough,” Keith pointed out. “But they are both fine wifewolves.”
“Indeed.” Katie put her left hand on Keith’s right, an engagement and wedding rings prominent. Keith put his left on hers, his wedding band showing. The two chose to marry a year after they became mates and the twins were born a year after that.
The sound of Katie’s phone chiming its text notification prompted her to pull it out and read the text that had come from Alfor. A smile lit up her face as she looked at Keith. “Alfor is ready to claim our city. He and his best guards will be here in a day and will send the captain here to get the address of the hunters as he intends to turn them as soon as possible.”
“It sure will be soon as the day they arrive will be the first full moon of the month.”
“The best time for it,” Katie agreed. “The mayor and his or her family are usually among the first ones to be turned and then key government officials followed by any hunters.”
“So, the city will be a mix of humans and wolves.”
Katie nodded. “Just like the rest of Alfor’s lands and it will abide by the king’s laws as well as the laws currently in place. Biting the mayor makes sense as he or she upholds the laws since the king has other lands to watch over as well as those living in his kingdom where his castle resides.”
“Makes complete sense; with the mayor as one of us, our safety is assured.”
“It will be disconcerting when the adults regress to eighteen. I can’t relate as I was born a wifewolf.”
“I can’t relate either as I was eighteen when I became a werewolf.”
Both parents watched as the twins became teenage girls with black hair and brown eyes. Sophie was about an inch shorter than Carmine, though she was born first. Carmine was only a minute younger but both girls were close and cared deeply for one another. Oh, they fought and argued like any other siblings but they were short-lived for most part; being immortal gave one a perception of how some disagreements were rather petty.
Sophie and Carmine joined their parents in the greenhouse and assisted in planting seeds or pruning some crops. Keith had gone to college years ago and earned a degree in horticulture. He didn’t stop there. He made use of his engineering scholarship and became a licensed mechanic at a well-respected shop run by Kolivan who was honest and fair. Katie acquired a new degree and worked as a computer specialist. She also updated the degrees she had earned decades ago.
“Girls, have you thought of what careers you’d like to have?” Keith asked.
“Dad,” Carmine said. “We just graduated high school.”
“It’s never too early to think about your futures,” Katie said.
“We’re wolves,” Sophie said. “We’re immortal and can wait to think about the future.”
“Don’t be so sure,” Keith countered. “Our secret of what kills us could get out and prompt humans to seek us out and eliminate us.”
“Your dad’s right,” Katie said. “I lost my family to hunters and there are four amateurs in this very city who tried to kill your father.”
Sophie bit her lip. “Maybe we should think of the future. I’d like to care for plants like you, Dad. I could get a degree in horticulture.”
“I could get a job in a variety of areas,” Carmine said. “If we have to move or if we choose to move out, I’ll be able to get a job anywhere.”
“That’s the spirit,” Katie said. “By the way, King Alfor will arrive tomorrow to add our city to his vast kingdom.” Sophie and Carmine smiled at hearing this.
Chapter Two- Invitation
Alfor tapped away on his laptop in his hotel room, scrolling through the city’s government website for the names of the mayor and other notable people. He then hunted the Internet for their addresses. He needed these turns to go smoothly and wanted to be well-prepared. He planned carefully, but something could go wrong.
Speaking to the mayor during lunch hour would be best. I can change to a wolf to back up my claims. Most mayors jump at the chance to be bitten due to the chance to be immortal. I provide them with the hotel and room I’m staying at and I tell them to come while the moon is full and that he or she can bring the family if they wish to be bitten. He looked around the suite room he had paid for and was pleased with it. It had enough room to accommodate at least twelve people; he would have company in the form of those he bit and educated. His guards occupied the rooms on either side of his own. Tomorrow is the first full moon. I hope to have the mayor bitten then. When one is bitten, it takes twenty-four hours before they change. They will regress to eighteen before sunset. It gives them time to make any adjustments they need to their lives to accommodate their wolf lives.
Alfor entered City Hall the next day during lunch hour and dressed in a suit that blended in with most of the people leaving the building for lunch. He assumed the look of a man a little over forty as he asked if Mitch Iverson was in his office. He was told he was and asked if he wanted to schedule an appointment.
“No. I was just inquiring.” Alfor headed off as if he was going to the restroom but hopped into the elevator instead and rode it to the floor where Iverson’s office was situated. He approached the door upon arriving at it and knocked.
“Come in,” came a gruff voice. Alfor did so to see a man who looked like his voice sounded. He regarded Alfor with one eye as his left one was shut.
“Mayor Mitch Iverson?”
“Yes. Who are you?”
“I am King Alfor. I have come to offer you an incredible gift.”
“King, huh? You don’t look like a king.”
“I opted to dress in a way that was not noticeable.” Alfor sat in the chair opposite the desk when Iverson gestured for him to sit. “All right, King Alfor. What is this offer you have?”
Alfor stared intensely at the mayor for his slight show of disrespect and the mayor shifted uncomfortably under the gaze. “I know what I am about to say will sound unbelievable, but it is the truth,” Alfor said. “I am a werewolf and have come to add this city to my kingdom and turn you and a few others into werewolves and wifewolves.”
Iverson’s face darkened. “Are you threatening me with war, sir?”
“Not at all. In truth, I already own this city but I leave it in the hands of the officials already in place only they will be werewolves or wifewolves.”
“If you’re a werewolf, prove it.”
“All right.” Alfor crouched in his chair before changing into a silver-white wolf. Iverson pushed his chair away from the desk, his eye wide in shock and fear. “Easy, Iverson. I won’t hurt you but I trust you believe me now.”
Iverson nodded and when Alfor changed back, Iverson rolled his chair back to the desk. “So…sire. You said you would turn me and others into werewolves?”
“And wifewolves, if they are female, yes. There are many advantages; two of them being eighteen forever and becoming immortal.”
“I could be young and immortal forever?” Iverson asked with keen interest.
“You could. I take it that you would accept my offer and gift?”
“Yes. What must I do?”
Alfor slid a small stack of papers from inside his jacket and put them on the desk. “These are my laws with explanations and details on them. You can read that at your leisure. At the top is the hotel and room I am occupying. You will need to see me on the full moon as that is the only time one can be turned. You will change the next night and regress to eighteen shortly before sunset.”
“So, I could come tonight and you’ll bite me.”
“Yes. You are welcome to bring your family to be bitten or a couple of your staff.” Alfor knew Iverson had no family but did not want to seem as if he already knew.
“I don’t have a family but I could bring my secretary and a security guard.”
“Fine. That would be fine. When I leave after this full moon cycle, you will be in charge of implementing my laws and biting others when the next month’s cycle comes.” Alfor rose and so did Iverson who held out a hand which Alfor shook.
“I will see you tonight, sire.”
“Good.” Alfor left the office, feeling satisfied. Iverson did desire to be bitten for the immortality as well as being eighteen. He will bring two others so that makes three so far. Once Krolia learns of the address of our next targets, she and the guards will seize them and bring them to me.
Keith warily eyed the young woman until the scent of wolf hit him. He then nodded. “You’re one of King Alfor’s guards.”
“Krolia, captain of the guards.” She extended a hand and Keith shook it. “I was told to get the address of the hunters. How many are there? I understand there were four twenty years ago.”
“Still four and all still in the same house.” Keith produced a printout with an address, directions, and a map.
Krolia took it and grinned. “Excellent. King Alfor promises that next month they will be relocated to the palace and until then, some of us will keep an eye on them.”
“Those off-duty could stay here,” Keith said. “We have room.”
“Thank you, Keith. I’ll be sure to pass on your offer, though they may decline it.” Krolia walked away as Keith shut the door.
It was very late afternoon when Krolia and her guards approached the hunter family, the former still in human form. The arrest was going to be quick and, if necessary, brutal. No one would bite; that was the king’s duty and one he enjoyed very much.
Krolia stood at the door with the guards on either side of the door. She pressed the doorbell and heard it chime in the house. She listened hard for footsteps, heard none, and rang the bell again.
“What do you want?” a man’s voice demanded from the bell.
Oh, it’s one of those doorbell cameras, she thought before saying, “My name’s Krolia, sir. I would like to speak with you, face-to-face.”
“I don’t know you, so beat it.”
Krolia suppressed a growl. “I insist we speak…it’s about Keith,” she said, inspiration striking her.
“Keith? Hold on.”
Krolia waited and heard footsteps approaching. The door opened to show a man in his sixties. Krolia didn’t hesitate as she shoved the door open and charged Thomas. She pinned him up against a wall while the guards rushed past, tracking the others by smell. Two guards stayed with Krolia.
“What the hell is this?” Thomas demanded.
“Silence. We were sent by King Alfor to seize you and your family and bring you to him.” The guards shifted forms and chained Thomas up before the sun faded and the group shifted into wolves again.
Thomas gasped in shock. “You’re werewolves!”
“Actually, I’m a wifewolf but yes, we are. Our king wishes to add this city to his kingdom and turn a few select humans. You and your family have been chosen for this honor.”
Debbie, Brandon, and Dean were dragged in, also chained. Thomas fought to get free. “No! We will not become vicious beasts!”
“Shut up!” Krolia snapped. “We are not beasts! A wondrous gift is being bestowed upon you. Chances are you would have been bitten at a later date so why not now?” The guards seized the chains and dragged the humans outside with Krolia behind them, pausing to pull the door closed before leading the group.
Chapter Three- Wolfkind
“Four more are coming?” asked Iverson.
“Yes and I should tell you three something they shouldn’t know and that is what kills us which is a silver bullet to the brain.”
“Why shouldn’t they know?”
“They are amateur werewolf hunters. Twenty years ago, they used an ancient ritual on their foster son to turn him into a werewolf for the purpose of killing him. Needless to say, they failed and the young man escaped.”
“They tuned a kid into a werewolf?” Iverson gasped.
“He was eighteen at the time. I researched that ritual and only one who is eighteen or older can be used in it.”
“Yes,” the guard said. “They should not know what kills you. They would use it to be a real threat or kill themselves.”
“Exactly.” Alfor flared his nose. “Ah, they’re here. If one of you could open the door, I would appreciate it.”
Iverson nodded to his secretary and she got up and went to the door. She opened it and Krolia entered with her guards dragging four bound humans behind her. Thomas glared at everyone, but Debbie fixed pleading eyes on Alfor who wore a crown on his head. “Please, at least let my sons go.”
“I can’t do that. You think of yourselves as werewolf hunters and ancient laws dictate that such people are to be bitten and live in my palace as servants.”
“What!?” Thomas exclaimed. “Servants? No way.”
“That is the law. The emperor of the werewolves made that law and he will not change it. I had asked him decades ago if he would change it. He firmly told me no.” His eyes softened a little. “You will not be treated harshly and you have until the next month’s full moon to pack and relocate to my home. It is not far from here. Now, let us proceed to the turning as I have much to share.” He turned to Iverson who eagerly exposed an arm. Alfor delivered the bite before giving it to the guard and the secretary. He approached the family who struggled to get loose and escape, but the guards held them down and each one was bitten. Alfor stepped back and regarded his work. Seven tonight; not a bad start but only three will stay behind.
“Now,” he said as he sat, his back straight. “In the morning, you will have the strength, speed, and senses of a wolf as well as a craving for meat which is a full moon effect. Nothing but meat will satisfy you during this time. As sunset draws closer, you will find yourself getting younger until you are eighteen as that is the age when a werewolf stops aging and becomes immortal. You will also be able to change your appearance to look older or younger.
“You will be able to become a wolf whenever you like but must stay a wolf on the full moon nights.”
“You say we’ll be immortal, but surely we can die?” Thomas said, eager to hear the answer so his family could kill themselves and avoid living as what they hated and would become.
“I’m sorry but there is no way to die,” Alfor lied smoothly. “I know you tried to kill your foster son shortly after he became a werewolf. The weapons you used were ineffective. We’re immune to blades, bullets, and other destructive weapons. They will either break, bounce off, or pass through us. We can injure each other with our claws and teeth but they heal instantly.”
Iverson listened with joy at what he was hearing. He would be young and immortal, no weapons could hurt him save for one, and he could become a wolf when he wanted. Yes, he could be hurt by a wolf’s claws and teeth, but they would heal instantly. “Sire,” he said. “It will be clear that I’m a werewolf should someone see a wolf with one eye wandering around.”
“I understand your concern, mayor, but I have good news for you. When you change tomorrow night, your eye will be good as new.” Alfor almost laughed at the look of joy that crossed Iverson’s face.
Alfor gestured with a paw and the chains of the family were snapped due to wolf teeth. “Ulaz, Thace, Antok, Regris, Vrek, and Ilun. You will stay with the family. Keep an eye on them and assist them with their packing. Use the established switch-off procedures.”
“Yes, sire,” all six said.
Alfor nodded. “You are all free to stay the night and I insist on it.”
“That is gracious of you,” Iverson said. “But I have very important business in the morning and a lot to attend to before sunset.”
“I understand. Good night, mayor.”
“Good night, sire and thank you.” Iverson opened the door and paused as six wolves escorted the family to another room before closing Alfor’s door and opening the other room. I will need to change my doorknobs to handles so I can come and go easily.
Thomas’ mind was racing as he and Debbie got into one bed while their sons took another. Their guards laid by the door and the windows. He could hardly believe what had happened. His family and he had been bitten by a werewolf and tomorrow their bodies would grow younger and immortal as well as get stronger, faster, and have sharper senses. It was the actual transformation that really scared him. He did not want to become a wolf.
There has to be a way to die. We will find a way before night falls tomorrow. The king said that our youth and immortality will occur shortly before sunset. When we get home, I will search the bathroom and kitchen cabinets for poisonous chemicals. Conventional weapons may not work, but surely poisons will work. Thomas smiled at that as he drifted off to sleep.
Ulaz and Thace laid by the door, the latter listening to hear the humans fall asleep. “They will try to die before sunset,” he whispered in his partner’s ear.
“Seize all hazardous chemicals at the earliest opportunity,” Thace whispered back. “It won’t kill them, but I’d rather not see them vomit.”
“Agreed. Spread the word to the others in the morning.” Ulaz said and Thace nodded as they too fell asleep.
The secretary, Lillian, and the guard, Evan, settled into beds in Alfor’s room. The king curled up on a bed of his own, his gold eyes on them and his nose flared. “Scared about tomorrow?” he asked.
“A little,” Lillian admitted.
“Will it hurt?” Evan asked. “Becoming a wolf, I mean.”
“Not at all. I’ve seen bitten ones through their transition for centuries and none reported any pain as they changed forms. You’ll be just fine.”
“Silver to the brain is really the only way to die?” Lillian asked.
“It is. Curiously, we can touch silver; it is only by driving it through the brain that it affects us.”
“That family will try to kill themselves,” Evan said. “It’s clear they do not see this as the gift it is.”
“Hence the guards assigned to watch them. They are the best of my entire army and I know how they think. I bet they will confiscate every poisonous product in the house and dispose of them.”
“What would happen if one consumes poison?”
“The body immediately rejects it.” Alfor chuckled a little at the disgusted looks on the humans’ faces.
“Sire, forgive me but how old are you?” Lillian asked.
“My age is almost unimaginable. I have been alive for almost 2,000 years. It was only in the last 150 that I had a daughter. She found a mate twenty years ago, moved in with his pack, and has a son.”
“Two thousand years,” Lillian breathed in awe. “I would like to live that long.”
“Proceed with caution and you will but do not forget to live your life with joy.”
“Yes, sire.”
Chapter Four- A Day in Waiting
Keith, in wolf form, stuck his nose around the corner of the alley between one house and the hunter’s house and breathed in. He smelled ten wolves and a quick look out showed only the family and six people he didn’t know. They’ve been bitten and they definitely don’t look happy.
Once they were inside, Keith took human form and walked away. He had wanted to make sure that they had been bitten and that in about a month, he would never see them again and he wouldn’t have to worry about being spotted by them and shot at which wouldn’t hurt him unless it was silver and it hit his brain.
He arrived at work and blinked. The shop was closed! He knew Kolivan was there, he could smell him. “Kolivan?” he called as he knocked. The door opened and the older man smiled at him.
“I’m going to be busy for a couple of days. I was approached by a man named King Alfor and he made me an offer.”
“You’ll be a werewolf,” Keith said.
Kolivan gaped at him, stunned. “How…?”
“I’m a werewolf. I’ve been one for twenty years.”
Kolivan chuckled. “All these years, I never knew. Well, tonight I’ll be bitten and be told what I need to know. I chose to close the shop and get some paperwork done. You and everyone else will be paid, though.” He clapped Keith on the shoulder. “Enjoy your time off.”
“I will.” Keith left, deciding to devote some of his free time to his garden and greenhouse.
“Dad, you’re home early,” Sophie said when Keith entered the house. “Is everything okay?”
“Just fine. Kolivan’s been chosen to be bitten and I have two days of paid vacation starting now.”
“I see,” Katie said. “Did you check on the hunters earlier?”
“Yeah. I smelled ten wolves. They’ve been bitten and have an escort of six guards. I have a feeling they’re going to have an interesting day.”
Thomas rummaged through the bathroom cabinets but couldn’t find any kind of poison or even the cleaning supplies. He suspected one of the guards had taken them which convinced him that poison could kill them. One of us just needs to find one with enough to kill all of us and hide it from the guards.
It was past lunchtime and the sharper senses were kicking in as much as Thomas and the others tried to ignore them. Their lunch also made their new condition hard to ignore. Meat of different types and in varied states of preparation had been provided and, to the family’s horror, they ate them. Debbie tried to eat some grapes, but the meat was too tempting to resist and besides, the grapes didn’t taste as good as they usually did.
Thomas exited the bathroom and went to his room to find his family there, looking excited. He didn’t have to ask as he spied the bottle of cleaning solution in Dean’s hand. He grinned. “Good work, son,” he said in a low whisper as his hearing was sharp now.
“There’s enough for all of us,” Dean whispered back. He handed the bottle to his dad. Thomas had just taken a large swallow when Thace pulled it away. Thomas then turned pale and raced to the trash can as he vomited up the liquid.
“This won’t work,” Thace said. “You heard the king. Nothing can kill you.”
“There has to be a way,” Brandon said. “No one’s invulnerable.”
“No one except our kind,” Thace countered, though he knew this was a lie. “You see this as a curse, but by tonight, I’ll wager at least one of you will see this as the gift that it is.”
“Oh, do you?” Debbie snapped.
“Yes. I have served the king for almost 350 years and have seen humans who hated being bitten, but when they changed, they started to embrace the wolf they had become.”
Thomas looked at Thace with a pale face and sneered. “You don’t look eighteen. What’s wrong? Is your true look a skinny geek?”
Thace growled. “Hardly,” he replied before his appearance flickered into a teen with copper-brown hair and a body of large muscles. He smirked at the family’s shocked faces. “Our age may not change, but one can alter the body’s physique either by willing it or working out.” Thace took his previous appearance and walked out with the bottle to dispose of it.
Kolivan took the elevator to the suites floor and to the room told to him by Alfor. He knocked and entered when told to do so. He saw Alfor and behind him was a lovely young woman. He was immediately taken by her and she, likewise, seemed interested in him.
The silent exchange was not lost on Alfor. He cleared his throat before saying, “Kolivan, this is Krolia my captain of the guard. Krolia, this is Kolivan.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” Kolivan said, extending a hand.
“Likewise,” she said, shaking his hand.
“Sire,” Kolivan said, turning to Alfor. “I just learned today that one of my employees is a werewolf.”
Alfor smiled. “Would his name be Keith?”
“Y-yes. He said he’s been one for twenty years.”
“He is currently the only werewolf living here along with his wife and twin daughters.”
“A whole wolf family and I never knew.”
“I learned from him that his last foster family used an ancient ritual to turn him into a werewolf in order to kill him as they wanted to be werewolf hunters.”
Kolivan gasped. “How did he get away?”
“The only thing that kills us is silver to the brain. They did not know that and their blades and bullets broke or bounced off him. I sent Krolia and my guards to their home yesterday and they brought them to me. I then bit them and told them all about my kind except for the silver as they would use it to kill themselves and others. My six best guards will watch them until they have moved to my palace in a month as ancient law dictates that hunters are to be servants in a royal household. I personally never had such servants but the emperor does and I have seen how cruel he is to them. I intend to be less so.”
“They will change tonight, yes? That’s what you said and what will happen to me tomorrow once I’m bitten.”
“Yes. I will bite you tonight and you will change tomorrow night.” He then flashed an amused smile. “I noticed that you and Krolia seem taken with each other. She had a mate a hundred years ago when she was 100 but he got killed by a vampire hunter who put a silver stake through his head.”
“So vampires are real too.”
Once, yes, but not anymore. The one who killed Krolia’s mate clearly couldn’t tell a vampire from a werewolf. Anyway, I would have no objections if the two of you started a correspondence.”
“That would be nice,” Krolia said. “I have many duties in the king’s service but I would have time to write or text.”
“I have plenty of time to do either one.”
“You should communicate often as the emperor insists that all wolves have a mate or had been mated by the age of 150.”
“Overall 150 years or in wolf years?”
“Overall. Your current age and up to 150. You need a mate by then. Otherwise, you will become part of the emperor’s pack instead of mine.”
“I don’t think I would like that. I’m rather happy with what I’ve got.” Kolivan pulled out his phone as did Krolia and they exchanged numbers. He smiled at her. “Uh, Krolia, are you busy tomorrow?"
“No, not really. How about a picnic in the park? You will crave only meat.”
“Sounds perfect,” he said as night fell and Alfor bit him.
Chapter Five- The Big Night
Thomas stared at his hands and then looked at his wife and sons in shock. They and he were now younger and immortal. We can’t stop what has happened to us or stop what will happen.
The guards laid out several large blankets and then platters of various meats and bowls of water. They seemed real excited about tonight and Thomas had no doubt that it was about the family.
He stepped forward as a thought occurred to him. “It will hurt, won’t it?” he asked, wincing at hearing his teenaged voice.
“No,” Ilun said, having assumed his true age now as had the others. “It is disconcerting enough to be eighteen again. You will feel a warm feeling flow over you and then you will be a wolf.”
The sun disappeared from the horizon and Thomas did indeed feel a warmth before he found himself on four paws with nine other wolves around him. His legs trembled and he fell onto his stomach in shock and despair. No! I’m a werewolf! He heard joyful howls around him but did not join in and his family did not howl either. He felt his stomach growl but refused to get up and eat.
Vrek seized a piece of cooked steak, went to Thomas, and dropped it at his paws. “I know you’re hungry. Changing forms burns energy and calories.”
Thomas turned his head away from the meat and Vrek gave a low growl. “Starving yourself will not kill you. Your body will not let you die due to instincts. I can’t relate to what you’re going through as I was born a werewolf. It was a joyous day when I turned eighteen, became immortal, and able to change my appearance.” He laid down. “Perhaps we can talk this out.”
“In a moment, please.” Debbie said. She headed to the food, came back with meat for her and her sons, and then laid down. “All right. Now, we were happy just being human and I don’t believe we deserved this.”
“If you hadn’t chosen to be werewolf hunters, then you wouldn’t have been bitten at this point. I know this is harsh, but it’s your faults.”
“We thought werewolves were a danger to humans,” Dean protested.
“Only if we’re attacked, but we usually shrug off the attacks as we can’t be hurt.”
“What will our lives as servants be like?” Debbie asked.
“You won’t be treated harshly as the king has said. I imagine you’ll be asked to clean rooms or dishes, perhaps present the king with his meals, and helping to insure the palace is secure for the night.”
“What about running errands?” Brandon asked.
“If asked to do so, an escort will go with you.”
“An escort?” Thomas snapped. “We’re not going to be left alone ever again, are we?”
“You’ll be alone as long as you’re in the palace,” Antok retorted as he came over. “You will have to prove yourself worthy of being allowed out of the palace on your own. At this point in time, it would be best if you accept what you are now.”
“Never,” Thomas said, a growl starting to come out, but he cut it short.
Vrek and Antok walked away and engaged in some mock fighting with the others. Vrek knew the family would come around in time. He suspected the mother would accept being a wolf before they moved; one of the sons would probably follow his mother’s lead. Two out of four is not bad, but all of them will be servants and escorted outside of the palace.
Debbie chewed on her food as she observed her family. All of them were young with large strong bodies which she found she liked. She gently ran her tongue over her sharp teeth before taking another bite and marveling at how easily they ripped into the meat. The smells she picked up were fascinating and she was able to identify each one quickly.
Her ears heard the guards growl, yip, bark, and howl as they engaged in their play fighting. They seem to be having fun as they train. I wouldn’t mind learning to defend myself like that. I know Thomas is against engaging in any wolf behavior, but right now we are wolves so that kind of behavior just makes sense. She continued to observe the guards in addition to her own movements as she would go get water or more food. She eventually laid down on a blanket to sleep, deciding to try to talk sense into Thomas in the morning before she fell asleep.
Iverson blinked, rejoicing in having two eyes again. His tail swished rapidly and he laughed, delighting in being young, immortal, and whole. I made the right choice in being bitten. I’m a werewolf and I love it! He gave a howl in joy.
“Sir?” came Lillian’s voice and Iverson turned to her and Evan; he invited them to his home to spend their two nights as wolves there. They eagerly accepted his invitation.
“What is it, Lillian?”
“I’m concerned of how to explain this to my husband. I worry that he won’t understand.”
“What if I come and explain it? I will also offer to bite him next month as I will have that authority by that time.”
“I would appreciate that. It would be nice to spend my future moons at home, even if my husband chooses to not be bitten.”
“Tell me, Lillian. Why did you want to be bitten?”
She was quiet for a moment. “I…love wolves,” she said. “I thought it would be interesting to be a wifewolf.” She flashed a wolf’s grin as her tail flicked. “So far, it is almost everything I dreamed.”
“Almost?”
“Well…this craving for meat was not part of that dream.”
Iverson laughed. “It’s not a part I like myself but being young and immortal makes up for it.” He turned to Evan. “And you, Evan. Your thoughts?”
“I have a wife and a grown son who lives with us with a job and going part-time to college. I should be able to explain this to them.”
“If not, I can help you with that too.”
“Yes, sir. I chose to be bitten as I would like to be around to protect my family. My immortality guarantees that; my youth is a bonus and my wolf form aids in my desire to protect. I can be a better security guard as a werewolf.”
“I see. Both of you are concerned of how your loved ones will react. You, Lillian, love wolves and thought it would be interesting to be a wifewolf. You are pleased with your choice.
“You, Evan, chose this to be an immortal protector of your family and those who count on a security guard to keep them safe. I can explain all this to your loved ones if need be.”
“Sir, what about your thoughts?” Lillian asked.
“I was skeptical when the king claimed that this city belongs to him and that he was a werewolf, but when he changed, I came to believe him. The things he told me about werewolves sounded wonderful and I was especially interested in being immortal. I also saw being younger as a bonus. I’m thinking of testing the ability to change my appearance. It will help hide the fact that I’m different, at least for a while.”
Lillian flared her nose and moved around the room, sniffing. “I smell wolf but I also smell…cherry wood and freshly cut grass.”
Iverson and Evan sniffed as well. “I smell grass and freshly fallen snow,” Iverson said.
“I smell cherry wood and snow,” Evan said.
“Why, though?” Lillian asked.
“It seems the king neglected to mention the finer points. Rest assured, I will call him and get the answer.” Both nodded at him.
Chapter Six- Mating
Alfor chuckled. “Yes, I did neglect to mention some things; old age you understand. Now, our kind always has two scents. One is the wolf scent. The other is a scent unique to the wolf.”
“Two scents. I smelled freshly cut grass and freshly fallen snow. The others smelled cherry wood.”
“Indeed? I was told I smell of apple blossoms. My daughter smells of lotuses and her mate smells of cherry blossoms. Oh, I should add that when two wolves mate, they gain the scent of their mate and a red mark in the shape of a wolf’s head appears on the back of the left shoulder. If one of them dies, the mark fades, and the scents go back to two.”
“Lillian and Evan are both married but only have two scents. So, if they mate with another wolf, they would have three scents.”
“Yes. The mating is not about having children. It is simply about confirming their commitment to each other.”
Iverson was silent for a moment. “It would be best to turn their loved ones.”
“It would as the emperor insists that all wolves have a mate or had been mated by the time they’re 150 or they’ll join his pack. That means having to move to his lands.”
“I see. So I need a mate before I turn 150 if I wish to live in your lands.”
“Correct. I am sure there’s a wifewolf who would love to be your mate. I have a magical registry that lists every wolf born or created and data on them such as age, where they live, and if they have a mate or had been mated. I can peruse it after I return home and see if I can find one. Of course, if you find one, that would be fine too.”
“Sire, this claiming has been silent. Surely, it can’t stay that way.”
“You’re right. I plan to announce my claim to the entire city as well as the existence of our kind and that you are one as you alone can turn others once I leave to return home.”
Iverson nodded. He had skimmed Alfor’s laws this morning and planned to read them carefully after tonight. He needed to be proficient in those laws if he was to inform the public of them and have those laws enforced. “When were you planning to announce your claim?”
“A week from today. I suggest you turn some of the police next month. I imagine the chief would jump at the offer. The ones in the other cities did.”
“I don’t doubt you. Lillian told me that you are 2,000 years old, so you’ve been doing this for a long time.”
“I have. The only new part is this one are the hunters. I’ve never had werewolf hunters in any of my other lands so I can’t predict how they will adapt or if they will.”
“They better as it would make their lives easier.”
Debbie approached Thomas, affecting the look of a twenty-one year old. Thomas was still eighteen and was researching the Internet. Brandon and Dean, in their ages of forty-five and forty-two, were at work but shadowed by a guard each. Two others left to buy packing supplies which left two to watch the parents.
“Dear?” she said.
Thomas turned in his chair to look at her. His face darkened. “Why do you look like that? It’s bad enough that we’re forced to be wolves on the full moon, we should not engage in anything else.”
She chose not to comment and asked instead, “What are you looking for?”
“The abilities of werewolves.”
“You don’t have to do that. We have two werewolves with us. We can ask them.”
“Go ahead if you want to.”
Debbie gave a low growl as she walked away. Thomas was so stubborn and angry about being bitten. She had thought long and hard when she woke up this morning and concluded that fighting it was pointless. They had transformed last night and they would do so again tonight. She was a wifewolf and felt she was ready to learn what she didn’t know.
She found Vrek and Thace in the living room on their phones but both looked up upon her entrance and put them aside. She sat in an armchair that faced the couch where they were sitting. “I’ve decided to accept what I am and learn more.”
Vrek smiled. “We thought you would come around first. You’ve already indulged in changing your appearance.” Debbie dipped her head in acknowledgement. “You were told most of our perks but two more aspects remain and one that would be best if it was done tonight.” Vrek sniffed and nodded. “I see. Okay. All of us carry two scents. One is wolf. The other is one unique to the wolf. Your second scent is sugar. Very nice.”
“A unique second scent?” she flared her nose and three scents came to her. “Hmm…wolf, mint, and rosemary.”
Thace nodded. “Mint is Vrek’s scent while rosemary is mine. You should know that there is an emperor who rules over all of us and he had decreed that all wolves must have a mate or had been mated when they turn 150.”
“But…I’m already married.”
“Yes and he’s a werewolf too. You and your husband can mate tonight. Not necessarily to have children, just to confirm your commitment to being mates as wolves. Once that is done, both of you will gain the other’s unique scent and the shape of a red wolf’s head will appear on the back of the left shoulder.”
“Thace, you said you served the king for 350 years. Did your mate leave you?”
“No. He’s right here.” Thace put an arm around Vrek’s shoulders. He saw her look of mild disgust and he said, “We’ve been mates for over 250 years and the decree did not say one’s mate had to be the opposite gender. We had asked the king about that and he said we could be mates.”
&&&&
“Mate? Tonight?” Kolivan asked in surprise.
Krolia nodded. “The king and I will leave in about a week and I will be busy serving as his escort and bodyguard as he announces his claim of this city and our kind’s existence. He will also inspect the city and speak to some of the people.”
“It’s not to have children, is it? Mating, I mean.”
“No, just to ensure that we’re mates. There’s not any actual coupling involved. The only things that come out of it are having three scents instead of two, a red wolf’s head mark on the back of the left shoulder, and deep love between us.”
“Wait. Three scents instead of two?”
Krolia laughed. “All wolves have two scents. One is wolf, the other is a unique one. You don’t have it yet but you can smell mine as you have a sharper nose right now.”
Kolivan flared his nose as he focused on her. “Hmm…honey?” he asked.
“Yes, that’s right. One cannot smell their own scent and need another to tell them.”
Kolivan gazed at her. “I find it hard to believe that you are 200 when you look, what, twenty-three?”
“Twenty-five, actually.” She gently ran her fingers over the shape of Kolivan’s face. “You are getting younger. I can feel it.”
“I should be. We’ve been here for hours and I can’t wait for tonight. Would you like to stay at my home tonight?”
“I’d love to and it would be the perfect place for our mating.” She stood as did Kolivan and they packed up the basket. “Kolivan, we should buy some meat for dinner and cook some before nightfall. After all, cooking with paws is difficult.” Kolivan nodded in agreement as they left the park.
Chapter Seven- Acceptance
“So, I put my head under his, growl, nuzzle him, get him on his back, intertwine our tails, howl, and lick him?” Debbie asked.
“That’s it,” Thace replied.
“And he’ll respond to it?”
“It is a ritual that ended up in the DNA of all our kind. He’ll respond and if he questions it afterwards, you’ll be able to answer him. Oh and best to do it before eating though some do it after eating.”
“I’ll chose before eating.” She looked to see her family enter the yard. All were eighteen again and she went to Thomas’ side. He seemed calmer than before and he took her in a hug briefly before the sun went down and all ten changed. The howls of the guards was infectious to Debbie and she howled as did Dean, much to her surprise.
“Dean!” Thomas snapped. “Don’t do that!”
Dean fixed his gold eyes on his dad. “I spoke to Antok on my break today. It’s pointless to fight it, Dad. We are wolves and will be wolves forever.”
Thomas faced him. “No, we can fight it! We can’t let these others-,” Thomas trailed off as Debbie slid her head under his chin and gave a loving growl. She nuzzled him and he found he couldn’t resist her. He nuzzled her back with a loving growl of his own.
Debbie was thrilled when Thomas responded just as Thace said he would. She pressed her advantage as she eased him to the ground on his side and then his back. She straddled him and wrapped their tails together. She then howled, the pitch rising and falling. Thomas finally howled, the sound going up and down.
When he finished, he gazed up at his wife, seeing the love in her eyes. She then began to nuzzle and lick him with a need she couldn’t explain but it felt right to her. She then let Thomas nuzzle and lick her in return. Debbie took a good sniff and the scent of pine tickled her nose. How fitting; wolves love living in pine forests. She climbed off him and fetched food for everyone.
Thomas eagerly ate his food and, as he did so, the reality of what he had just done sunk in. He snapped his head to Debbie and said with soft horror, “What…did I just do?”
“A ritual that would have needed to be done,” she answered gently. “We are married but it doesn’t matter to our kind. There is an emperor who rules all of us and decreed that all wolves should have a mate or had been mated when they are 150. Vrek and Thace told me of the mating ritual and coached me. We have completed the ritual and in the morning our unique scents will belong to both of us and a red wolf’s head mark will appear on our left shoulders.”
“Scents?”
“Everyone has two. One wolf and one unique to them. Mates gain the other’s scent. I was told I smell of sugar and I smelled pine off you tonight.”
“So, this ritual marks us as life mates, like real wolves.”
“Right.”
Thomas flashed a sheepish wolf’s grin. “Deb…I’ve been foolish. I was fighting a pointless battle. I am a werewolf and I should embrace it.”
“I was told the same thing,” Brandon said. “I…didn’t want to say anything because I knew you wouldn’t like it, Dad.”
“Well, that’s all over now. We will be proud of what we are and serve King Alfor happily.” Thomas howled and the other three did too.
The guards exchanged grins and swishing tails. They knew that convincing the family had been a part of their job and if they could manage it, the rest of the time with them would go smoothly. Vrek knew the mating ritual would break Thomas’ resistance to being a werewolf. Antok and Regris talking to the sons brought them to their senses. King Alfor will be pleased, all six of them thought.
&&&&
Kolivan let out a howl of joy as he finished changing and saw his body. “That wasn’t so bad,” he commented, liking his younger voice.
“The way I understand it, your body is given all day to incorporate the wolf DNA into your own so by night, it is painless.”
Kolivan looked at her. “Then, you were born a wifewolf?”
“I was, but I’m not a snob about it. We’re all wolves, it doesn’t matter if one was born or bitten. Now, would you like to eat before or after we mate?”
“After. More romantic that way, don’t you think?”
“I quite agree.” Krolia came over and slid her head under his chin and gave a loving growl. Kolivan returned it and he licked her cheek when Krolia pulled back and she licked him back. Krolia then pushed Kolivan onto his side and then his back. She laid on top and saw the love in his eyes. She wrapped her tail around his before howling, her pitch rising and falling. Kolivan happily howled once Krolia finished, his pitch going up and down as well.
He then put his paws around Krolia’s neck and she began licking his muzzle and cheeks with a kind of hunger that scared him a little. He returned the same licking with his own hunger and Krolia smelled the scent of tea off him.
“Do you drink tea?” she asked as she got off him.
“Oh, yes. I drink more tea than coffee but I like both. Why?”
“That’s your scent; of course you’ll gain my scent in the morning and I’ll gain yours.”
“Honey and tea. I like that.”
“So do I.” Krolia nuzzled Kolivan who returned it. They went to their food and water.
“Krolia, when will you leave?”
Krolia swallowed a bite. “Well, in a week, the king will announce to all of his claim on the city and I will escort him as I said. I will speak to my guards concerning the family’s adaptation to being wolves and report it to the king. I will likely leave two days after the king has left. I will need to book a room for myself.”
“Why not stay with me until you leave? We are mates now.”
Krolia’s tail flicked. “Of course I should stay here. It makes so much sense. I haven’t had a mate in 100 years and the king has claimed lands since then so I tended to book a room during those times.”
“Good. So, it only takes a few hours by car to reach the king’s castle?”
“Yes and I recommend calling him when you wish to visit. More polite than texting.”
“Yes and I’ll politely request to stay at the castle.”
“I don’t think that will be a problem as I live there. Remind me to give you the king’s number once we’re human again.”
“Can do.” Kolivan got up and stretched. “I’m going to get a feel for my legs.”
“Oh, I can give a feel for them,” Krolia said in a sly tone. She rose to a low crouch before leaping at her mate. Kolivan met the leap and the two rolled and tumbled over the ground before Kolivan popped to his feet and took off across the yard. Krolia stood for a moment to track his movements so she could intercept him.
She then went into motion, heading for the spot where Kolivan would collide with her…or he would have if he hadn’t leaped over her. She stopped, caught off-guard by his reaction. It gave Kolivan the chance to charge her. He plowed into her side and they tumbled again, but only briefly. They separated and growled playfully as they circled one another.
“Let’s play fight,” Krolia suggested. “Learning to fight this way is fun and instructive.”
“I’m game,” he said.
“Good.” She growled as she charged in a zigzag pattern before leaping at Kolivan who sidestepped her leap. She landed on her stomach and Kolivan pinned her down. She growled and snarled as she wiggled out enough to rake her claws along his forelegs. Kolivan howled in pain even as the cuts healed. He retaliated and she yelped. The two fought until falling into an exhausted sleep.
Chapter Eight- Apology
Keith sniffed as he reported to work. The smells of wolf, tea, and honey greeted his nose. He smiled slightly. He’s mated. I wonder who it is. He was clocking in and checking the jobs when Kolivan came up to him looking refreshed, happy, and affecting the age he had been before the bite.
“Good morning, Keith.”
“Morning.” Keith lowered his voice to a whisper. “You’ve been mated. I can smell it.”
Kolivan beamed. “I am,” he said, also in a whisper. “Her name’s Krolia and she’s the captain of the king’s guards.”
“I’ve met her. So, your scent’s tea.”
“It is. Which one is yours?”
“Cinnamon. I’m glad you have a mate and faster than I did.”
“Oh?”
“It took me about five days if you count the night I became a werewolf.”
“I would count it. I was told by the king of how you were changed.” He shook his head. “That is just terrible; to be changed for the purpose of being killed.”
“It was, but it led me to meeting Katie, mating and marrying her, and having the twins. I have no ill will toward them considering what I have.”
Kolivan patted Keith’s shoulder. “Yes. You have a beautiful family, a good job, and are an immortal werewolf. It is a good life.” Keith smiled as he headed into the garage to start work.
Alfor smiled at the happy expression on Krolia’s face and subtly sniffed the air to find tea on it. So, Kolivan’s scent is tea. “I take it that the mating went well,” he said.
“It was wonderful. Kolivan is a lot like my first mate. I am glad we came here. Sire, given the level of technology, how will you handle the announcement?”
“I plan to discuss that with the mayor. He may mention a communication method I have not thought of or problems with the current level of communication.”
“Speaking of communication, I gave your number to Kolivan so he can call whenever he wishes to visit.”
Alfor nodded. “I prefer calls for most part. In texts, the tone of the person is impossible to tell.”
“I agree.”
“I will call Iverson tomorrow and arrange a meeting about the announcement. Once I return home, I’ll send a message to my other lands about a new city they could move to if they wish.”
“Have you thought of what duties you’ll have your servants do?”
“I will determine what skills they have and assign them duties to fit them. All four will need to be mated. It would be best of the husband and wife mate and it also makes sense.”
“Of course, sire.”
&&&&
“When?” Iverson said. “Whenever you like. Today, even.”
“You sound eager.”
“You have a little less than a week to announce ownership of the city and surely you need to write a statement or prepare a speech.”
“I have a prepared speech that I’ve read over the centuries and just need to modify it to keep up with the times. I will come today at three to discuss how my announcement will reach everyone.”
“Agreed. I look forward to your arrival.” Both men hung up.
Thomas, in the company of Ulaz, pushed a shopping cart down an aisle. Their group of ten required a good deal of food, mostly different types of meat as any one of them could choose to take wolf form at any time.
Thomas felt at peace with himself. His mating with Debbie was part of that peace as was his acceptance of being a werewolf. Yes, he was to be a servant, but only because he chose to be a hunter and turned Keith into a werewolf in order to kill him. If he had not, he would never have known of any takeover. But I did and I found a peace I had never known. I also find that being a werewolf is wonderful.
He entered the meat department and he sniffed at smelling cinnamon, peanut butter, tomato, orange, and wolf. Three wolves, in fact. He saw Ulaz flaring his nose and knew he caught the scents too. The smells grew stronger and from a nearby aisle came a man with two teenage girls who were enough alike to be twins. The man looked familiar to him before it hit him: It was Keith!
The two groups came face-to-face and Keith paled slightly while the girls’ noses flared, obviously taking in their scents.
Thomas smiled warmly. “Don’t worry, Keith. I won’t harm you. I’m like you now as you can smell it.”
Keith regained his color as he nodded. “I smell wolf, pine, sugar, and lemon.”
“Lemon is mine,” Ulaz said before holding out a hand. “I’m Ulaz, one of Krolia’s guards.”
Keith took the hand. “No mate yet?”
“No. I’m only 115. I still have time.”
“Keith, are these girls your daughters?”
Keith beamed. “Yes. This is my elder girl, Sophie, and this is her twin Carmine.” Keith paused. “Do I call you Dad or Thomas?”
“Thomas. I wasn’t a good father to you. I apologize for what the family and I did to you. It was not right.”
“I appreciate your apology but I hold no grudge. I have a beautiful family, a steady job, and an immortal life. I am quite happy.”
“Good. So…which scents are yours?”
“Cinnamon and peanut butter, the latter is actually my wife’s scent.”
“Oh, then you’re married and mated then?”
“Mates first and then a year later, we married. I’m assuming you mated with Debbie as I smell sugar and pine.”
“Yeah. The third full moon. Debbie initiated the mating ritual and I gained her sugar scent. I am at peace with what I am and what I will do for the rest of my life.”
“You’re all right with serving the king?”
“We were hunters and it is the law. Well, take care of yourself and your family, Keith.” Thomas wheeled his cart away with Ulaz behind him who paused long enough to give Keith a nod.
&&&&
Alfor studied the statistics in front of him. “A public statement would draw out the news stations and air it live or at later times.”
“And anyone else there would likely record it on their phones and post it online, which would be problematic,” Iverson pointed out. “If we limit it to a private speech to only the media, it would lower the exposure of our kind’s existence.”
“Yes and if you were to remind the city of belonging to me with you acting in my name, that would be good. It would make it clear that they are not to tell outsiders that werewolves exist.”
“I will do all that.” Iverson was certain he would be able to convince the city that they were being governed by a fair and kind werewolf king and that the existence of werewolves should be kept quiet for the safety of all. I certainly wouldn’t want a non-aligned land to know I’m a werewolf. My nose would be able to tell me if one is a wolf or not.
“So, a private announcement with you re-stating it shortly after I have left,” Alfor said.
“Right. When would you like to make it?”
“Schedule it after two days at noon. That will be a Friday.”
“Friday at noon.” Iverson wrote it in his planner. “I’ll call the local stations tomorrow and we’ll hold it here in my office.”
“Perfect.”
Chapter Nine- Claimed
Alfor straightened his crown as he sat in Iverson’s chair with the mayor standing beside him. Three different local stations were there with their cameras ready to roll. Alfor glanced down at the updated portions of his speech as the rest he knew by heart.
“This announcement will not go beyond this city, correct?” he asked the cameramen.
“Yes, sire,” one replied and Alfor looked at him. A small smile appeared. “Well, fancy meeting you here, Bandor. How long has it been?”
“Thirty years, sire. I was born in your city but chose to strike out on my own once I was old enough. I will ensure this report stays here.”
Iverson sniffed subtly and the only wolf he smelled was Alfor. So, this Bandor is human.
“We’re live in three…two…one,” a second man said. The lights on all three cameras came on.
Iverson looked into the cameras. “Good afternoon. This is Mayor Iverson with an important message from this gentleman, King Alfor.” He nodded to the king.
Alfor nodded. “I am King Alfor. I claim this city as part of my large territory. Everyone here lives under the laws already in place and my own laws. The mayor will uphold my laws and rule in my stead once I return home.
“I have a secret that I insist be kept secret in all my lands as a matter of safety. I, as well as others, are werewolves or wifewolves.” Alfor then changed to wolf form and two of the cameramen gaped at him.
“There are others like me in this city and, for their safety, I will not divulge their identities…except for one. Mayor Iverson is a werewolf. I offered to turn him this past full moon and he accepted. Any who wish to be turned can schedule that time with him as he alone has the authority to grant the request. I will walk around the city for a few days and answer any question you may have.
“I am not an unreasonable man,” he said as he changed back. “My other lands are a mix of humans and wolves as this one will be. You are welcome to move to any of my other lands but nowhere else, again as a matter of safety. I will state that being a wolf is a wondrous gift, but of course I would say that. If those like me wish to tell others themselves, I will permit that. Thank you for listening and welcome to my kingdom.” The cameras turned off.
“It went out…sire,” the first cameraman said. “It was agreed among our stations to air this on each news airtime today and tomorrow. It should reach most of the people this way.”
“Very good. Now, I believe my escort has arrived and I will start inspecting the city and speaking to the chief of police.” Alfor rose and strode out the door, Krolia falling into step beside him, a bag of clothes in hand. She handed it to him outside a restroom and he emerged minutes later in a suit but kept the crown on. “How are my servants doing?”
“Quite well. Thace reported that all four are willing to serve you and the husband and wife have mated.”
“Excellent. I met Bandor today. He lives here and is a cameraman for a local news station.”
“I remember him when he was a kid. He’ll make sure the humans here will at least tolerate us.”
“Indeed and I hope the police chief will do the same.” The pair exited City Hall and headed toward the police station which was not far. Along the way, those who had just seen the report either eyed them warily or approached to ask questions such as the precise running of the city and more about being a werewolf. Those who asked the latter question were told of the mating desire as it was the emperor’s most important law.
“There’s an emperor? He rules all of you, even you, sire?” one woman asked.
“Yes. He’s lived longer than I and he’s the one who bit me when I asked to be a werewolf. We were friends for decades, you see, and I was aware that he was a werewolf. When I officially changed, he declared me a king and gave me a modest kingdom which I expanded as time went on.”
“I may want to be turned,” she said.
“Speak to the mayor and if you decide to do it, schedule it with him.”
“Yes, sire. Thank you.” She left and Alfor and Krolia continued on to the police station without further delay.
The chief, as Alfor had predicted, was eager to be a werewolf once Alfor gave him the details. He recommended arranging his bite with Iverson and perhaps asking for volunteer officers. “I’ll do that,” he assured Alfor.
“That’s all I ask. Now, what key points would you suggest I visit?”
“I have acquired a fine area,” Alfor said as they returned to City Hall where they had left the car.
“Indeed, sire.” Krolia unlocked the car and slid into the driver’s seat while Alfor got into the back. “There are some shops and diners I would like to look at.”
“I’ll be sure you get the chance to do so. Now, let’s say hi to Katie and her family. It’s high time that I do so.”
&&&&
Katie opened the door and she said, “King Alfor.”
“Hello, Katie. I figured it was time to see you and your family. You are my subjects now and it’s my duty to visit now and again.”
“Yes, of course. Please come in.”
“Thank you. Katie, this is Krolia, my captain of the guards and bodyguard while I’m here.”
“Yes,” Katie said as she took Krolia’s hand. “Keith mentioned you and that you’re Kolivan’s mate.”
Krolia smiled happily. “He’s a wonderful man.”
Keith and the girls rose and bowed as Alfor entered the room. “Your highness,” Keith said and the girls echoed him.
“Rise,” Alfor said and once they did, he added, “Which one is Sophie and which is Carmine?”
“I-I’m Sophie,” said the elder.
Alfor grasped Sophie’s hand and then Carmine’s. “You are two lovely ladies. Eighteen now, yes?”
“Yes, sire,” Carmine said.
Alfor smiled at Keith. “You must be proud of them.”
“I am, your highness. Katie and I raised them the way she was raised. They are polite ladies and fierce fighters.”
Alfor nodded at this. The perfect blend of human being and wifewolf. I raised Allura to be a proper princess but did only a little in how to defend herself. Luckily, her mate and pack taught her more self-defense.
“How is Allura doing?” Katie asked as if she could read his mind.
Alfor smiled. “She’s doing splendid. I made her city a part of my lands ten years ago and she has a son who was born a year after being mated.”
“Congratulations to her and you. I imagine you spoil him.”
“Oh, I do. I adore him and he’s proud to be my grandson.” He cleared his throat. “Your former family has fully accepted their future roles and being wolves.”
Keith nodded. “I met Thomas and Ulaz last week and he told me as much.”
“Good, good. Well, I guess Krolia and I will be on our way.”
“Please stay,” Katie said. “We’d be honored to have you for dinner.”
“That is generous of you,” Alfor said. "But I insist in helping with the preparations.”
“As you wish.” Katie led the way to the kitchen. After twenty years, her city was part of Alfor’s kingdom and while the transition wouldn’t be smooth, peace would eventually reign over the city; a city of werewolves and humans.
