Above is the funeral song for Aidan's adopted mother, Ninon.  :(

Kieran slowed to a trot as he reached a creek. Two other wolves trailed close behind him as he stopped by a tree. His body exhausted, Kieran stretched his body until he appeared in his human form. He growled at the release of his body as he looked at the sky. The night filled with howling from the camp. An evil grin cut through his exhausted face.

"Aww. All in mourning. How sweet. Guess it's time for the little club house meeting."

He stretched his lean, nude body straight as he watched the two wolves also morph into their human form.

"Where the hell is Nornos?" The tall blond man looked out into the woods. His body was marred with strange tattoo markings in bands on his biceps and paid no attention to the bloody cut across his left thigh.

"Relax, he'll be here." The raven-haired man walked ahead to the edge of the hill in front of them. He stopped to hear the howling. "That was too easy. Why aren't they coming for us?"

Kieran smiled. "Because they have to get permission to retrieve us now. They have the Azanesti's balls in a jar. They can't take a piss without convening the council."

"That's pathetic." The blond scoffed.

"Why'd you think I left?" Kieran rolled his eyes. "Where's this friend of yours? I'm freezing my ass off."

"He'll be here." The blond retorted in annoyance. "And where's your end of the bargain, Aristan? You better keep your word to us."

"Brother," Kieran walked slowly to him. "Trust me, you'll get your just desserts for your help."

They all silenced as headlights reflected off the top of the hill. A moment later their ears perked at the sound of a vehicle door slam shut.

"Nornos? Where the hell were you?" The dark haired Thesian asked.

Nornos walked down the hill leisurely. A huge black duffel bag was hoisted on his shoulder and a black skullcap shielded his face. "Traffic." He tossed the bag to the blonde. "I came bearing gifts, now please get dressed before I go blind. We need to move out."

The blond quickly unzipped the bag and started tossing out t-shirts, jeans and boots to Kieran and the other naked Thesian. Nornos walked up to Kieran, who was already putting on his boots.

"The rest of our brethren are up north in the southern parts of Maine. There are others out there without a pack. Loners."

"My favorite kind. Those without colors." Kieran stood up to his full height and walked past Nornos. "Guess I'm going up north." He sniffed the air and slowly walked to a bed of rocks near the edge of the creek. Taking his foot, he kicked a rock over into the creek.

"What about—"

"Yeah, yeah. I said I was gonna keep my promise." Kieran turned around with a large bundle of money and a flask. "A deal's a deal." He tossed the money to Nornos, who stuffed it in his satchel at his side. The other two Thesians started to growl.

"Stand down bastards! I plan to divvy up." Nornos' eyes flashed amber.

"Such manners."

"Manners are for pussies." Nornos replied. He eyed the flask. "What's that?"

Kieran grinned and tossed it to Nornos. "It's Nightshade."

Nornos cursed and tossed the flask back to Kieran. "Get that shit away from me!"

Kieran looked at the flask and laughed. The other Thesians looked at him as if he was nuts. "Relax, it's in a container, pussies."

The blond shook his head. "Are you nuts, messing around with concentrated forms of that?"

Kieran frowned. "I'll need it to treat some of my weapons. I'm taking up your practice it would seem. Rather efficient. Though somewhat cowardly."

Nornos shook his head as he headed to the truck, "Yeah, but we hire humans to do that for us. We wouldn't risk ourselves or our own to procure them."

Kieran scowled as they all got in the truck. "Humans? Now who's nuts?"

The blond laughed. "We don't keep them, of course. But they are excellent labor for the cause. The meat racks do come in handy, you know?"

Kieran rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Yeah, so I'm told."

Sometimes he wondered if he could actually get along with these idiots. Call it tribal superiority if you will, but for a man who had hundreds of "dead Thesian" jokes to entertain random members of the pack, it was hard for him to see them as anything but ridiculous, mindless meat machines. In any case, they are right. He supposed 'meat machines' do come in handy as well.

He slammed the door shut as Nornos revved the engine. "Just let me worry about it wolves," he tucked the flask in his boot. "Now let's head out, I'd like to reach Maine by Tomorrow night. I'm ready to move mainstream, I'm sick of the depressing shadows."

All of the Aristans stood about in a semi circle, their ever-traditional formation, waiting for the council to line up and begin. Within the shelter of night, they all stood anxiously as Aidan walked through the crowd. They silenced for a moment as he stood with the Azanesti Order, the expertly trained protectors of the Aristans. They were everywhere, and nowhere. The sleek, stealthy fighters that held no fear and risked their lives to protect the pack, including the Alpha. Each pack had Azans led by a general which usually served as the Alpha or Beta of the pack. Aidan served as general before Tiberius death and continued to serve after. The Azans looked to him, their leader, covered in soot and ash. As he walked past, they all slightly tilted their exposed necks to him in respect. He was bloody and covered with the remnants of the night's horrible events, including his mother's pyre. Cameron stood with him, forever admiring the courage in his old friend. Nothing was ever given to Aidan. Even now, he seemed to have to fight tooth and nail for anything, including peace.

"The council will now proceed to determine the fates of those involved with the mayhem that transpired here tonight. Including the deaths of two of our very own." Aidan's voice boomed strong and loud. He stood still as Onyx, Alabastian and the others strode in and howled.

Onyx stepped forward. "Fires have ravaged our home. Most are saved, but the damaged must be repaired soon, lest we draw attention to ourselves. We have instructed Tamryn to begin reconstructing the damage." He looked to Aidan. "Ninon and her guard were killed tonight." He silenced as the crowd of Aristans clamored. After it subsided, he continued. "The fires and the murders are tied and of the same ones who committed both. One of our own has been suspected in this incident and we mean to seek him out, and get the truth."

Alabastian stepped forward and turned to Aidan. "By right of the Selenium Circle, Aidan Bloodlocke is Alpha and has submitted a charge." With that he nodded.

Aidan stepped forward looking at all of his pack. His family. "I charge Kieran Bloodlocke with murder and mayhem by right of this pack."

More clamoring came from the groups. Some of their faces laden with anger, some with disgust and some with plain disbelief. He squeezed his fists tight at those who looked doubted at him as if they expected him to have been the culprit. Pushing out a breath he tried to ignore the feeling. Some would never let him forget his past and how they found him. Even when Onyx often looks at him, he could see the wolf's nervousness around him. As if he couldn't truly believe his bloodthirstiness was a thing of history.

It was why he didn't want to fight in the Circle. Why he preferred to be left alone and be the invisible wolf he was meant to be. If only Ninon would have allowed it.

Leigh stood forward. She too, was covered with black and soot, her bright eyes shining past the paleness of her skin. "The Azans have clear suspicions of Kieran's treachery. What information do you have?"

Aidan nodded. The group silenced. "Kieran was been reprimanded times before of fraternizing with the Thesians."

At the sound of their enemy's name, the clamoring reaching its pinnacle.

"One of our own would be with Thesians? Impossible!" an Artisan from the crowd interjected.

"The council is well aware of the incidents I speak of. Thesian scent was all over my mother's—Ninon's chamber and the area near the creeks. Thesians, I don't know how many, but definitely they are involved as well."

Alabastian cut his eyes to him. "Perhaps Kieran attacked the Thesians during this fray and followed them out? Should we be so eager to pin this horrendous crime on one of our own?"

Aidan eyed him levelly as he purposely issued advocacy over his charge. Damn him. He needed everyone on his one. Kieran was not going to get any with this. He rather them charge him than let that happen.

"He is my brother!" Leigh shouted, and everyone silenced. "And I had lost my mother! Do you think we would purposely blame our own if we didn't think otherwise? In either case, guilty or innocent. Kieran must be found."

Aidan wanted to smile at his sister's interference. And choke her at the same time. He decided to do neither. From the time Ninon gave birth to her, Leigh was a stubborn, tenacious little one. Aidan was barely getting used to being with the Bloodlocke family when she came along. Kieran never gave her the time of day when they were little, despising her for not being a boy. He wanted a "real brother.", which defined his relationship to Kieran from the start. Leigh, being constantly pushed away would seek company with Aidan and want to play with him. He was far older than her but he remembered many times playing ridiculous games along with her, burying themselves in the autumn leaves and going for runs at night. Trying to find friendship within the pack, he was often mocked for hanging out with his "little sister." She had always recognized Aidan as her brother, even when Kieran broke his promise to his parents and told her the sordid truth of him.

She bit his tail that day, boldly drawing blood from her brother twice her size. "Don't you ever speak that way about our brother ever again! Or next time you'll be wagging a nub!"

She was the only anchor he had left.

"She's right," Onyx looked to the rest of the council. "The Azans must track down and retrieve Kieran." He looked to Aidan. "You may assess your Order and send them out within a moon's cycle."

"Council," Aidan walked over to stand before them. "I request to retrieve Kieran alone."

Now it was the council's time to mumble. Frankly, Aidan was getting rather pissed at all the peanut gallery right now. A job needed to be done.

Alabastian frowned at him. "Kieran is Azan."

Aidan gave a solemn nod. "Of course, he said begrudgingly. "I inducted him."

And what a mistake that was.

Tamryn shook his head. As the "silent" partner, the old white wolf rarely said much. "Retrieving a bounty lone is very risky, Aidan. Especially an Azanesti Guard. You would not be taken so easily by one guard."

"But Kieran is not me, Council. Far from it."

Alabastian huffed. "I will not allow your arrogance to endanger us any further!"

"I will not—" Aidan interjected. How dare the wolf speak of arrogance, when he stands before them challenging everything in the pack. At least during Tiberius leadership, everyone had their duties and did them freely. Now that the council was constructed, they had to okay every freaking thing, including the actions of their Alpha. He laughed to himself.

A leader who's only for show. I refuse to be a toy to anyone, heeling at their beckoned call.

Still, he managed to rustle up some respect.

"I can bring him in...quietly. I am familiar with how Kieran thinks and I'm skilled at tracking. I can do this alone. The Azans need to stay and protect the pack while we're in disarray."

Onyx gave him a small smile of admiration. "I will oblige a grant of leave."

Alabastian shot a look at Onyx in surprise. "But you must swear to bring him back alive."

Aidan scowled. "Council..."

"I know you, Aidan. We all do. Though you are rightfully Alpha, we are not foolish. We simply cannot allow you to make this some vigilante crusade." Alabastian stepped closer to stare at Aidan, looking for any signs of weakness or protest. Aidan's face stoic, he did not give the old wolf what he wanted. "Kieran must stand before the council to receive judgment."

Leigh growled. She was getting tired of the council throwing their weight around. Who were they to challenge the will of their pack's Alpha wolf? "The Alpha should determine law."

Alabastian narrowed his eyes at Leigh. "What was that?"

Leigh stepped forward. "Leigh Bloodlocke, daughter of the Alpha Couple, Tiberius and Ninon." With that she cast him a smug look.

Aidan groaned. How he wished Arista gifted his beloved sister with an edit button—and given him the remote control.

She continued. "In the time of Tiberius, there was no council. My father was the final word! He was judge and executioner. What has happened to us? Do we not trust our own Alpha leader to do right by all of us? The one who fought with blood and sweat to win the challenge of being our leader?"

Her statement sparked some agreements, and Alabastian folded his arms in annoyance. That bitch was constant trouble. And that mouth of hers needed to be bitten off. "Tiberius is dead, Leigh, and we have been without an Alpha to lead us for many moons. This council was assembled to maintain this Aristan clan until a new leader was ready."

"He's right, Xerhmon," Onyx sighed. "Your father's last decree was for the council to form out of the elders and to postpone the Selenium Circle until his son was of age."

"You all know damn well which son my father meant! And he didn't tell you to continue after it!" Her blood was as unstable as a boiled over pot. It was wrong and she was beside herself with the injustice of it all. Her father never intended this to happen.

She wanted to rip that council apart, save Onyx.

"Leigh," A calm voice brought her back to earth. She stopped talking and looked to her brother. His eyes were soft and tired. "Stop."

Normally, she would tell him to "piss off" and just continue claiming she knew what was good for him. But the look on Aidan's face and the pain in it quelled her very soul. She'll never understand why her brother let so much go when it concerned him. To offer so much to others and take nothing for himself. She wished to see Aidan happy and content for once. Not let his duties take over his life.

"I will abide by the will of the council and bring Kieran back...alive."

The council pulled their attention back to Aidan and stared at him.

Alabastian smiled. "Good. You have one full moon cycle to bring him here for the Rites."

Just as Aidan started to walk to his Azans, he heard Alabastian cough. "Aidan."

He simply turned to face him—impatience clear on his face.

"It is your duty as Alpha to protect your people. If you should fail in apprehending Kieran, you will be replaced as leader. Do you understand?"

"I will not fail."

Onyx nodded. "Of that, lukos, I have no doubt."

Aidan grabbed Leigh by her arm and propelled her by the edge of the complex.

"Have you gone insane?"

"I was asking the same about you, big brother."

He raked his hair in frustration. "You don't!—" Aidan lowered his voice. "You don't call out the council like that! As if they're on trial!"

She folded her arms. "Why not? They certainly have no issues putting you up there. They are screwing you over!"

"Leigh, I know this, but I have no choice! Kieran needs to be brought back and I'm the only one who can track him fast and you know it."

Shaking her head she shouted, "What if you can't Aidan? The cycle moves fast and can be anywhere!" She walked past him and stared at the others a distance away removing debris of the fire. "Aidan, if you fail, you'll be shunned. They are setting you up for failure. I won't have it!"

Leigh furiously wiped the tears from her eyes, angry that they had betrayed her. She turned to face Aidan, who stood quietly. "I lost my mother today. I just can't lose anymore of my family, Aidan. You're all I have left."

Aidan started to remind her that Kieran was her brother—her flesh and blood. But he knew better that Leigh will never again accept Kieran as her own. He closed the space between them and hugged her.

"Same here, little sister." He offered her a comforting smile, trying his best not to show his uneasiness of all the events. "But I have to go. You know I do, but I'll return as soon as I can—with Kieran. Now would you at least try and hold your tongue and keep it from hanging us both until I return?"

Leigh looked up at her brother with laughter. This time she let her tears fall. "I'll try." She lightly touched their mother's amulet around his neck. "Mamyn thought the world of you, as I. Please take care of yourself. If you need me..."

He nodded. "I know." With that, he released her. "I'm leaving tonight before dawn, so I better pack up."

Leigh answered with a nod, as Aidan walked away. She thought for a moment and found herself even more angry as she was before.

Who did Kieran flee with? And why did the council feel so adamant about him being brought back alive, when in Aristan history, traitors were immediately executed?

She was glad Aidan was leaving in a way. Hopefully, she'll have a chance to find out the truth about her brother's treachery.

Cameron strode up to Aidan, who was packing up his bike. He never went anywhere without his black Ducati Monster. Other Azans, especially on Calvary duty rode bikes, partly due to Aidan's idea of them having his in the first place. Having a cool toy was indeed a good perk thanks to the brooding wolf.

"Taking her with you, eh?"

Aidan didn't look up as he loaded his knives and packed them. "You know I'm not a 4-wheel person."

Cameron grunted.

"What's on your mind, wolf?" He cut his eyes to Cameron to find his face less than pleased.

"You shouldn't do this alone, Aidan. Not when you have that kind of time restraint and all of us here are able-bodied to hunt for you. To dismiss us..."

Aidan stopped and looked at him levelly. "I'm not dismissing you or anyone. You are all needed here, and I have to do this alone. I'm faster that way."

Cameron scowled. "What ever happened to we? There's no I in team, you know." Cameron cringed as he realized that the comment was so child-like and trite, he feared Aidan wouldn't take him seriously.

"Yeah, well, there's no we in team either." Aidan threw his satchel onto his bike and squatted down to load it up. "I'm sorry, but I need you here, Cam."

"There are enough of us here, Aidan. You don't need us with you, remember?"

Aidan stood up. "I understand your frustration, but I have to do this alone. And I need you here to look after my sister."

Cameron's eyes widened. "Leigh? Uh, I hate to break it to you, but Leigh can totally take care of herself."

"That's what I'm afraid of." Aidan sighed. "Her words may have put her in danger with the council, Cameron."

"You think our own council would hurt her?"

"Cameron. Our own brother killed another one of our own. What is it you know about me more than anything?"

"That you're as cuddly as a porcupine—on speed."

Aidan did not look amused. "Cameron."

"Sorry, just trying to lighten this rather dramatic and depressing mood." He paused and decided to answer is question. "That you leave nothing to chance."

"Exactly. I know she's strong, but she's also hurting, and may do something foolish without me here. Please, for me, just keep an eye on her."

Cameron sighed in defeat. He got along with Leigh well enough, but there was a sense of nervousness he would get around her and couldn't understand why. It made him uneasy in an odd, non-threatening way.

"Consider it done." Cameron clasped Aidan's hand in agreement. "If you need me out there...I'm there, boss, you know that."

Aidan straddled his bike. "I know. Keep your eyes open here, Cameron." With that, he kicked his engine to life and rode off.

As he hit the road, he saw the ranch getting smaller and smaller in his rearview. The damage of it apparent, with spots of darkness on the tops of roofs.

Kieran, you bastard. Hope you like running, because I'm not stopping. And I guarantee the council won't save you. I doubt Goddess Arista herself can save you for I plan for you.

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