The clearing was neutral territory; it was where the boundary lines meet. One side belonged to the wolves and the other to the lions. The lines were set many years ago and like today as well as the past, it was used as our meeting place for more sensitive topics.

For safety and precaution, we abandoned the ATV's two kilometres from the clearing and would run the rest of the way. Myself, Nate, Dmitri, and Katie stood in silence while waiting for Quinn and Braydon to change into their wolf form. Even with our extraordinary senses in human form, it could not compete with our wolf form.

Quinn was one of the larger wolves in the pack; head reaching my hip. Braydon only a few inches shorter, made up for in his bulk, around 30 lbs. heavier, with the traditional grey coat with white muzzle that travels down his chest. In human form, Quinn was 6' 2", built of a swimmer with short brown hair and hazel eyes, but in his wolf form, he was a gorgeous chocolate brown. Braydon, more on the body builder side, stood 6' tall with shaggy blonde hair and blue eyes. In animal form they didn't carry on their human colours of hair or eye colour, all my wolves eyes ranged from grey to a golden brown. It didn't matter how many times I saw my wolves, the sight was always remarkable. Welcoming them both with a pat on the head and a scratch under the chin before we started for the clearing. Leading the way with Nate and Dmitri flanking, Braydon and Quinn at the rear in a V formation with Katie tucked safely in the middle.

The Lions were neither our enemies nor our allies. We made a comfortable living next to each other but that was about it. Missing one of their own would be highly stressful, and the situation with Katie just put this on a whole other level. I didn't feel threatened and didn't believe anything would come of this meeting, but it was always best to be on guard.

Just feet from the clearing; this usually tranquil place that held the essence of home, the smell of freedom and familiar sounds. Now felt more empty than all the other times when meetings were held between Pack and Pride. Tension was high, the once homey way this place felt, was now cold and empty. The way the air stilled and wildlife scattered away from our presence was surreal. Before breaking through the tree line, we scoped out the area, scenting the air, while keeping quiet so we could hear anything out of place. Giving a hand signal to move forward, we took the last few steps.

Waiting for the Lions to arrive, staying in silence, in full alert mode. Not even a heartbeat later, the lions broke through the clearing. As if on some cue, both parties moved in unison meeting in the middle of the empty field, leaving a good twenty feet between them.

Everyone looked to be calm and in control, but you could feel the edge of tension that rolled from both sides as we met. The Lions, too felt the need to have two of their own in cat form. In size, they were not as evenly matched; wolf shifters are known to be much larger than the natural wolf, where most other shifters including the lions, did increase in size but not to the magnitude as the wolf.

"Jack," Lawrence said, in greeting.

"Lawrence."

Showing respect, Lawrence did not talk to my wolf without permission. Taking a half step to the side, gesturing to Katie to step forward. Never stepping in front of their Alpha, except to protect, she stood to my side and a step back, giving me room in case there is a need to defend myself or any of my wolves.

Never taking my eyes off the lions we faced, but also able to see Katie. The pride I felt seeing her stand tall, squaring off her shoulders, chin up and keep her eyes evaded down in a respectful gesture not a submissive one. Still able to smell her fear and unease, which there was no doubt that the rest could as well, even if her body language showed none. Not speaking until the Pride leader did, she waited.

"Katie, we know about you and Cassie. We know you had some kind of disagreement. Where is she?" Lawrence's voice was calm, but held a no nonsense tone.

Waiting for my nod of confirmation before speaking. "I don't know Sir. The last time I saw her was in her apartment Thursday night."

No hesitation before he fired off another question. "What were you fighting about?"

A slight tension of her shoulders indicating she didn't want to answer this question. Knowing if it was me in Lawrence's place, I would want to know. Just seeing her reaction, made me want to know what she did not want to confess to. After her pause, he gestured with a slight nod to answer the question.

"Um, that's personal," she all but whispered.

Before Lawrence could protest about the reluctance of his wolf, I stepped in in soft but powerful warning, "Katie."

Feeling the command wash over her body, she answered with reluctance. "She wanted us to go to the next step and move in together." Shoulders losing their confidence she had just moments ago.

"What happened next?" Lawrence asked. Not showing any thoughts, he might be having about this new information in his face or body language.

A tear slipped down her cheek. "I...I just left."

"Did you hear from her after?" he asked, her tears not having any effect on him at all.

"No Sir. That was the last time I saw or talked to her. I didn't even say goodbye," she confessed.

Feeling that all the questions have been answered adequately I cut in again before Lawrence a chance to spit out another question. "I have one question," I said, giving his complete attention to the lion, "Katie did you have anything to do with Cassie's disappearance or know anyone who might?"

"No! Jack of course not. I love her, I would never hurt her or stand by and let anyone else," she spoke clearly and honestly.

All members from both the Pride and Pack inhaled through their nose at the same time, which they have done every time Katie spoke, able to smell the tiniest of lies. Every emotion and lie had their own distinctive scent.

"We all can smell the same thing Lawrence. Katie has not lied to you or me." Deflating slightly, I could see the effect that his missing member was having on them.

"Thank you both for your corporation," he said, with a nod to myself then Katie.

With a nod in return, I asked, "How long have you been following, Katie?"

"Just today, it happened so quickly and she's been gone for three days now, I couldn't afford to wait," he said, matter of fact. It was a lot more information than I expected to get from him.

Truly understanding his motives and why he did it, but I could not let it go without a warning. "You do that again without my knowledge or permission we will have words."

Nodding in understanding of the threat, the lions started to walk back to the woods, not turning their backs until a few feet away to their destination. A live shifter is a cautious one.

"Wait," Katie called out, as they reached the trees, not waiting for acknowledgement. "Please...please let me know when you find her," she pleaded.

"If she wills it," was all Lawrence said, before disappearing into the woods.

Heading back themselves to the abandon ATV's they kept quiet, listening to their surroundings. The air no longer still, blowing gently as the animals come alive. This was the clearing we all known and enjoyed from time to time. Still keeping in the V formation, we reached the ATV's in a matter of minutes.

We waited for Braydon and Quinn to change back which took longer since they did not stop to hunt. Changing took energy and two changes in less than an hour was not easy for them. My pack was bigger than most so we had the advantage to share strength from others. That was the only reason my guys could do these changes so close together with little effect for them.

I pulled Katie's tight against my side giving her shoulders squeeze. "I'm proud of you today, you know." Seeing the puzzlement in her eyes, I continued, "You stood tall, showed respect, even knowing we could scent your fear and unease."

It was the first smile, though faint, that I have seen since she called. Resting her head against my chest letting her body almost go slack. "Thank you, Jack. I mean for everything."

Giving her shoulder one last squeeze. "Ok, let's all go home. Katie, why don't you stay with us tonight? Stay as long as you need." Seeing her relief was answer enough. Being with her pack was what she needed, feeling their touch gave us all comfort and security.