Ruechari stole a glance at her new riding companion. Doc Vale had been the Busted Gulch doctor an age ago and like her father he ran with a rather rough crowd, giving him a very checkered past. However, never in her dreams would she have believed he was the alpha pack leader of the Western Wolves. Of course, a year ago there were many things that she thought were only stories or native legends, until forced to come face to face with reality.

"Stop staring," Doc said, grumpily.

"I can help you. I can heal you," Ruechari offered.

"These are not normal wounds."

"And I am no normal healer. The offer stands, should you wish it."

Doc nodded. "We will get nowhere fast tonight. You need sleep. I'll watch over you."

He frowned at the look of disbelief on Ruechari face. "I WILL protect you."

"So long as I'm useful," Ruechari added.

Doc shrugged. It was evident that her trust in him would have to be earned. He couldn't blame her really. Her life has taken many drastic turns and he had unknowingly killed someone she gave the very specific directive was to stay alive.

"The wolf you sent that day, the day Reaper was killed..."

"It's over," Ruechari interjected. "I survived. Moving on."

"Are you always like this?"

Ruechari could not help feeling annoyed, "Like what?"

"So damn difficult to talk to?"

Ruechari smirked. "Yes. So, get use to it. I'm not into cute and fluffy. I don't do small talk. I've been raised to be a warrior but no one bothered to show me just how powerful I could be. My lesson came by way of the Wraith, my metal tested by the fires of hell. So...sorry, if that makes me a little socially inept."

Doc chuckled. "Okay, so you're no extrovert. Still I would like to know what your plans are."

"I'm sure you would."

Doc growled when he was greeted with more silence.

"If you have such a need to talk then why not tell me about your son. What am I up against? What should I expect?"

"The unexpected."

"Well, that's helpful." Rue didn't even bother to hide the sarcastic tone to her voice.

Doc sighed. Young people..."He is neither vampire or wolf. He's a breed unto his own. His form is human but he has the power of both his mother and father."

"What kind of power?"

"Mind control for starters. He managed to..." Doc's brows furrowed together.

"What?"

"Hush!"

Ruechari became immediately alarmed by the ridged stance Doc took in his saddle. He was listening for something, or to something. His head swiveled and he suddenly turned his horse around and began galloping off.

Where the hell?!  Ruechari followed.

The night shine of six wolves' eyes peering into the darkness could be seen over the next ridge.

"Friends of yours?" Ruechari asked, as she caught up to him.

"Let's hope so," Doc said, as he slowed his approach.

Of course, Ruechari thought, we can't possibly be that lucky. And her thought was confirmed as she watched the wolves begin their charge at them.

Without thought Ruechari leapt from Six Star and transformed. Doc looked on amazed as between him and the wolves now stood a six and a half foot tall grizzly bear. It let out a growl that shattered the silence of the night.

The wolves tried to attack, but with a swipe of massive paws they'd go flying in every direction, until one leapt onto the bear's back. The grizzly shook it off and the battles ensued. There was no backing down on either side until with a painful yelp the wolves lost their lives.

The bear stood over the bodies, challenging the others left with its stance, letting out another unholy roar. The remaining backed away, deciding a hasty retreat would be best. Once the danger was no longer,  Ruechari shifted back into her human form. She looked up at Doc, took a step forward and then her eyes glazed over. Doc managed to catch her as she collapsed in his arms.

"You did good, kid. Sleep. You protected me. Now it's my turn to return the favor. Drake will know of you come morning, but he'll not get access to you tonight."

Doc found them a safe place to bunker down for the evening. Only one-way in or out, he was her only defense and he would not fail her. While Ruechari slept, Doc transformed. The large black wolf took position at the mouth of the cave, an ever-vigilant sentry.

While Ruechari slept she was restless. She must be dreaming...

She walked through a thick mist that swirled around her ankles like icy fingers trying to grab hold. It was then she noticed the stones. She was walking through a graveyard. The stones were worn, the names long forgotten. The lone tree planted to shelter them all laid barren of leaves, just the twist of gnarled branches shown silhouetted against the moon's light.

She heard the strike of a match alongside wood and a stranger brought to life the red flare at the end of a cigarillo. The match's light only briefly flickered against sharp, striking features before being extinguished. A pair of golden eyes glowed in the darkness.

"Well, well... who have we here? Could it be? The one and only Ruechari?"

Rue did not move. Not out of fear but out of waiting.

"I have to admit, you're not what I expected. I'm... impressed."

"Really?" Ruechari knew she was alone. Was this all a dream? No, it couldn't be... 

"Well... bully for you. I still want you gone. How about you tell me what makes that happen, Drake so everyone can go back to their lives all happy like."

She could just make out the shadowed outline of his face. His features were indiscernible. Why was he playing with her mind? It got under her skin.

"You expect it to be that easy?" She could hear amusement in his voice.

"Your father said to expect the unexpected... so, you can't blame a girl for trying."

He laughed and it surprised her that it was not an unpleasant sound. "You do intrigue me, Ruechari. You have me looking forward to our first meeting. I dare say it will be soon."

"You'll have to forgive me if I don't say the same. I'd be just peachy if we never met. In fact, I'd prefer we didn't. For certainly if we met face to face, it would mean death for one of us, and I'm pretty intent on making sure that person is not me."

He laughed again. "It's been a long time, Ruechari since I've enjoyed the hunt. Both vampire and wolf are born hunters. I grow so tired of such easy prey, but you, you bring the game to whole new level."

She'd seen him remove his hat, watched him smile, right before he disappeared into the mist and shadows.

"Until we meet again, Ruechari." His voice echoed to her.

Ruechari woke with a start and found she was in a cave. Both horses were asleep and by the entrance to the cave lay a large black wolf. He turned and looked at her. She came to her feet. The same golden eyes as in her dream stared at her intently.

Ruechari couldn't help but wonder... How was she connected to his son? How could Drake invade her dreams? Ruechari saw the deep reddish pink scars across the wolf's face. She made her way to him.

She tapped into the healing energy of the earth. It filled and swirled within her. She laid a hand on the wolf's head and Doc batted it away. "Save it." She heard the thought resonate in her mind.

How did you...?

"You are the protector of the west. You are connected to us all. There is nowhere you can hide from him. Save your strength. You will need it."

"Fine, but stay out of my head," Ruechari ordered.

"I'm not in your head. I can only communicate with you this way when I am in wolf form." He watched her frown at him again.

He was probably right. It would be best to conserve her energy. Still... now there was nothing else to do but sit and wait for morning, and she did not think morning or night would make much difference to Drake. She felt his eagerness, the thrill he spoke of. She tried to appear unaffected but it was untrue. His vampiric charisma surrounded him like the cloak of smoke that billowed out from him and encircled her.

She remembered her Grandfather's teachings. A Vampire does not chase down or struggle for his food. The demons have a natural ability to coerces and convince their victims to come to them freely. Surrendering their will and bodies almost eagerly. Drake was no different and even though she is Shaman she must never forget she is also all too human.