Chapter 1

It had been a long week and Eli, Nate and Marcus were finally getting some down time. Nicolas, the leader of both the Pack Security and its Enforcers had run them all ragged the past two weeks. They were not only training the Packs novice youth, but assessing the abilities of the juveniles to see who were ready to go on to the next level.

Those that were ready would patrol the borders of the Pack territory. They would be paired with one of the experienced men and rotated on and off for several months. Based on their performance they would either be billeted and utilized from time to time, or move on to something of their choosing. At the end of the day the choice was theirs, but for the most part they all wanted to show their readiness by working the border and protecting the Pack.

This was in a sense a rite of passage for the young men, one they took seriously as it was also a mark of moving from boyhood to manhood. There were three boys ready and Nicolas would work with them separately getting them up to speed before assigning each to one of the experienced men.

So it was that three tired Enforcers pulled into the parking area of the local bar ready for a few brews and a bit of down time, but this was not to be. As they pulled into a car space Eli caught sight of two kids moving behind the dumpster at the back of the lot.

What he noticed did not please him. They moved like Were’s and he was fairly certain they weren’t any of the kids he knew from the Compound. He sent a silent message to his companions then they got out of the car and with all the stealth of their kind silently positioned themselves so that they surrounded both kids.

Neither of the kids made a sound, but the oldest boy stood moving the younger one behind him. He would protect him, even against three fully grown Were’s. Eli wasn’t sure if he should be impressed or berate the child for being so foolish.

He held his hands palms outward to indicate he meant them no harm then took a step closer. The boy tensed and growled soft but audibly. Eli realised this was a warning so he stepped back and took another tact.

“My name is Eli; my friends are Nate and Marcus. We’re from the Pack that resides in this area.” He paused hoping one of the boys would say something.

When they remained silent he continued, “I know what you are, both of you. If you’re runaways and in need of help we will take you to our Compound for the night. In the morning you will speak with our Alpha, Braedon Romanoff but…”

The older boy spoke cutting him off, ‘Romanoff? Does your Alpha have a brother named Nicolas?”

“Yes, Nicolas our Alpha’s brother is.”

“Then we will come with you, I would speak with your Alpha and his brother.”

Eli moved aside so they could walk out to the open but when they didn’t move, “Nate, Marcus why don’t you go ahead and open the car, we’ll follow?”

He smiled when they followed the two men, “I gave you my name and the names of my friends. Will you return the favour?”

The older boy stopped and turned to Eli, it was difficult to see his face clearly in the fading light. That he was wearing a hoodie didn’t help, but he answered Eli’s question.

“I’m Cade and this,” he indicated the smaller boy, “is my brother Cord.” That said they continued on to the car.

Eli heard someone’s stomach grumbling and guessed rightly that neither had eaten recently. Nate had heard as well and looked at Eli, “How about we hit the burger shop on the way out of town?”

“Good idea Nate, I could go a burger or two,” he turned to the boys, “you two hungry?”

The younger of the two nodded in reply but remained silent. His older brother pulled him closer not acknowledging his question. Eli opened the back door and waited for them to get in. Eli noted that the youngest got in first and the older boy sat as close to the door as possible pulling his brother to his side and holding him firmly.

Eli had ridden shotgun, but got in back with the boys. There was something about them both that drew him. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but he intended to find out. A few minutes down the road they pulled up in front of a fast food shop and both Nate and Marcus got out.

Ten minutes later they returned with the food and drinks sharing it out and making sure the boys got as much as they needed. Once they were eating and seemed to have relaxed somewhat Eli turned to the older boy, “You know it can be dangerous letting such a young Were go without food for too long. He might have shifted because he needed to eat.” He paused for a moment, “It’s also irresponsible for a juvenile to go without as well. You could have caused a great deal of damage if you’d involuntarily shifted.”

Cade rested his food on his lap and glared at Eli, “I’m not an idiot. I was going to hunt again tonight and as for involuntarily shifting,” he sighed as if he shouldn’t have to be saying it, “I haven’t since I was five and neither has my brother.”

He sighed again before he continued, “I appreciate you feeding us and taking us to meet with your Alpha but you know squat about us. Do yourself a favour and stop lecturing me when you have no knowledge of who we are or what we might or might not do.”

Cade stared at Eli for a moment and when he nodded went back to his meal. Cord followed his lead and returned to his meal too. Both men in the front seat were surprised that Eli hadn’t chastised the boy for his arrogance. He was after all just a boy, a child showing little to no respect for his betters. Marcus was less patient than the others and not willing to let the slight go.

“You would do well to curb that tongue of yours boy and show some respect for your betters. If you don’t you might just find yourself in a world of trouble.”

Cade chose to ignore his words not wanting to get into a pissing match with him. He had learnt the hard way to pick his battles and he’d realised that Marcus would not concede defeat easily, if at all.

When they were done eating they bagged the rubbish and Marcus dumped into the garbage bin in front of the shop. This told Cade that Marcus wasn’t as high up the ladder as Nate or Eli. Cade also noted that Marcus walked with a cockiness that belied his status and mayhap his abilities.

The drive to the Compound was fairly quiet, that is to say the men spoke from time to time but Cade knew that all three were more than likely having a silent conversation about them both and resigned himself to the fact that for now they were in control.

When they arrived at the Compound they weren’t taken to see the Alpha as Cade thought they would be. They were taken to the Pack doctor and Cade became immediately uneasy. Eli could feel Cade glaring daggers at him and figured he best give an explanation.

“It’s late and you’re both tired. I’ll speak with our Alpha and arrange for you to meet with him in the morning. For tonight at least you will both be staying with Jaz.”

Eli paused and gave a nod for the other men to go on a head. “Jaz will also need to give you a physical at some stage to make sure you’re both in good health.”

Eli saw what he thought was apprehension or perhaps fear in Cades eyes and wondered what his story was. Jaz had already ushered Cord into the bathroom with fresh towels, leaving Cade with Eli.

“Jaz is a good woman. She’s also our Alpha’s sister, so you might take that into consideration when speaking to her.”

Cade nodded, “Thank you for your help, I’m not sure when I’ll be able to, but I will repay you for your kindness.”

Eli smiled a smile that lit up his eyes and Cade found he had to look away from him. He felt safe with Eli but he wasn’t ready to trust just yet. Eli also made Cade feel uncomfortable in a way he’d never experienced before. He didn’t like the feeling and figured he should keep his distance from him while they were there.

Eli felt somewhat disappointed when the boy turned away from him, but put it down to the boy being in a strange place and not knowing what to expect. Once again he felt drawn to the boy but shook the feeling off.

“I’ll go speak to Braedon and set up a meeting then return to see if you and your brother have settled in.”

Cade nodded slightly and when he turned to leave Eli could have sworn he felt Cade’s relief that he was going. It tugged at him in a way he hadn’t expected. He didn’t like that Cade was glad he was going. He growled at himself as he strode up to the main house where he knew Braedon would be waiting for him.

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The door to Braedon’s office was open and he Nicolas and Jacob were seated on the couches having a beer. Eli declined the offer of a drink and sat opposite his Alpha. Braedon looked at him curiously. “Are the children settled for the night?”

“I left them both with Jaz, Nate’s nearby in case there’s any trouble but I don’t think there will be.” He sighed, “We were just pulling into the parking lot in back of the bar when I caught a glimpse of the two of them rushing to hide behind the dumpster. They haven’t said much about their situation but the older one has a mouth on him.”

Jacob grinned, “He may well give you a run for your money then?” he was grinning but noted that Eli was serious and also somewhat concerned.

“There’s something about the older boy, his name’s Cade. He carries himself like…” he paused, “like a high ranking soldier. I if didn’t know better I’d swear he’s some kind of Enforcer or similar, but he’s just a kid!” he shook his head in disbelief.

“Let them rest tonight Eli,” said Braedon, “bring them to me at nine thirty in tomorrow. How old are they?”

“Cade looks to be about fourteen and his brother Cord about five or six. Cord hasn’t spoken a word since we found them he follows Cade’s lead.

“Jaz?” asked Braedon.

“I spoke with Cade before I came here. I made sure he knew who Jaz was and that he should be respectful. I don’t think either of the kids will do anything tonight. They’re both exhausted.”

Braedon nodded, “Good, we’ll see what they have to say for themselves tomorrow.”

At that Eli took his leave, giving Kasey a wave as he passed through the living room. As he got close to Jaz’s house Nate appeared, “All is well; it seems they were both too tired to cause any problems for Jaz.”

“I’ll go tell Cade what’s to happen tomorrow,” when he saw the look on Nate’s face he scowled, “I told him I’d return and let him know when Braedon will see them. He seemed anxious to speak with him.”

Nate acknowledged what he’d said and headed off. Eli continued on his way to Jaz’s and when he knocked on the door it wasn’t Jaz who opened it but Cade with Jaz coming up behind him. He’d showered and changed and now instead of a hoodie he was a wearing knitted cap that covered his entire head and some of his face.

It was summer and although the night was cool, it wasn’t cool enough to be covered up as he was. Cade not only wore the cap, he was also wearing a well worn pair of jeans and a long sleeved tee-shirt. Eli took this all in, in a matter of seconds but didn’t comment.

“Braedon will speak with you both in the morning. I’ll be here to collect you both at nine fifteen. Be ready, it doesn’t bode well to keep an Alpha waiting.”

He saw Cade relax before speaking. “Thank you Eli, I appreciate what you’ve done for us both.”

He waited until Cade closed the door before heading to his own accommodation with the other Enforcers. As he walked both Nate and Marcus approached him wanting to know what had happened.

“Both boys are bedding down for the night and will be meeting with Braedon in the morning.”

Nate nodded, but Marcus commented, “The young one seems alright, but the older one is going to be a handful. If they stay he’ll have to learn to show more respect.”

Eli growled low and deep unsure of exactly why he was so protective of the boys. He looked Marcus in the eye, “If anyone’s to teach them respect it will be Jaz or me!”

Nate raised a brow at his friend knowing something was amiss for him to speak as he just had. Marcus on the other hand walked away in a huff. Eli was feeling restless and knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep anytime soon. He moved into the shadows not far from the building that housed his room and shucked off his clothing, rolling them up and placing them in a low branch before shifting.

He came out of the shadows and looked up at Nate, “Go my friend run it out, whatever it is that’s bothering you. I’ll be going for a walk a little later on and I might even happen to pass by Jaz’s. I’ll more than likely be up when you get back.”

Eli whined before disappearing into the shadows. A few minutes later Nate heard the sound of a Wolf howl in the distance and knew it to be Eli.

Two hours later Eli came in and true to his word Nate was up. He was sitting on one of the couches in front of the television drinking a beer. Eli sat opposite him but didn’t speak.

“I took a nice long walk and ended up passing by Jaz’s place a couple of times. The house was in darkness and all was quiet, I’m assuming everyone was asleep.”

Eli nodded and left the room looking for his own bed and sleep. Unfortunately it didn’t come easy. He lay staring at the ceiling for some time not being able to put thoughts of the boys out of his mind.

Cade too lay awake going over everything that had taken place earlier. He had sworn to protect his brother; his father wouldn’t pass until he had gotten that promise from him. Not that it was needed; Cord was Cade’s only family now and he would do whatever was needed to keep him safe.

Cade’s father had told him stories of his youth and often spoke of the Romanoff family. The Alpha’s mate had taken him under her wing when his own parents had died. He was a juvenile at the time and still in need of the comfort and strength of family. He’d told Cade they were good people and would help those in need.

Yes, Cade thought as sleep crept in. We’re in the right place for now. But there was no trust as yet; this would need to be earned on both sides.