It wasn't long before Paul and Jazz were coming toward them still in their wolf form. Two magnificent specimens towering above everything else in view, large and white, except for the dark patch above Jazz’s eye. They lit up the darkness with their purity of color. Practically blending into the snow. Their steps quiet as it sunk into the soft white crystals under their paws. Watching their approach Dale was glad they were on his side. They were no less frightening than when all three transformed in front of him earlier.
He was also glad he was dressed. Juke on the other hand stood naked as before, not a hint of self-consciousness in respect to his lack of attire. Which didn't matter much, as both Jazz and Paul took their human form too, both naked. They came closer, and Juke greeted them both with a man hug.
"How bad was it?"
"Not too bad, they scattered after you left, some in pursuit, others ran the other way. We soon caught up to the ones that dared to follow you, and made light work of them." Jazz said.
“The threat is not over, we have to get through the other two territories." Juke said, pulling the collar up on Dale’s coat.
"I doubt that will be too much of a problem. The only person I can smell, is you."
"In that case let’s get out of here before my scent wears off." Like before all three reverted to their wolf form.
"Get on little wolf." Juke lay on the ground for Dale to get on his back. “Hold on tight. We have a few miles ahead of us. We need to run like the wind. My scent won't last for long."
"We only need it to last until we are on our own land," Jazz’s voice broke through into Dale's thoughts.
"You said you'd tell me why I can hear the others talking to you in my mind?"
“When we’re in wolf form, we can communicate with each other telepathically. You being linked to Juke, is why you can hear us too."
"Thank you Paul, I do believe the question was for me."
“Does it really matter? Let's just get out of here, before we run into any more trouble." Jazz scoffed.
Ignoring Jazz’s impatience Juke looked over his shoulder and asked. "Are you ready little one?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." Dale grabbed Juke by the scruff of his neck and held on.
"Good, let's go." Juke took off, but not as fast as he’d gone before. The trees whizzed past Dale's face. He was hard pushed to see any of the branches until they were almost on top of him.
"How can you see where we’re going, and at such speed?"
"My sight is much better in this form. Close your eyes. I’ll make it so you can see through my eyes as we go." Dale did as he was told. "Now open them."
"Wow," Dale was mesmerized, everything looked sharp and in focus, he could see way ahead of him. Only from Juke's eye level, it was a little more alarming, until his eyes made the adjustment. He bobbed and weaved as the branches came into view with a lot better precision than when he wasn't seeing the world through Juke's eyes. It was like looking through the matrix.
"Do you see everything in green and black too?"
"No, everything looks normal to me. You are seeing things in night vision. The surroundings are sharp, but relayed back to you as green and black."
"It's surreal." Dale sighed and let one of his hands release Juke's neck to look at his fingers, wiggling them before his eyes.
"I guess it must be the first time you experienced it. Now shush, hold on a little tighter. We’ll be on homeland soon. I'm going to pick up the pace."
The rest of the journey flew by in silence as Dale marveled at the wonder of the night. The small creature scurrying out the way, their eyes gleaming in the night, like shiny little pebbles floating off the ground. They moved quietly, and watched them pass from their hideout in the shadows.
All fear slipped away, as he held on to Juke.
They reached the service station without further incidents. Dale sighed in relief when Juke told him they were on safe ground.
Juke slowed to a stroll as they approached a youngish looking man. Having met Juke's dad, Dale had no idea if this person was younger or older then he was. He sat on a chair in front of a large warehouse, whittling wood. The sculpture in his hands taking form, as he chipped away. Dale guessed the finished result would be that of a wolf in the process of leaping over something. Not unlike the leap Juke took to get him away from the pack of wolves who tried to attack them earlier.
Seeing them approaching he stood, and placed the carving and knife on a log table. His eyes widened as they landed on Dale riding on Juke's back. He didn't say anything until they got closer, and Dale climbed off. The three transformed, and the four of them walked up to him.
The man was huge, and standing next to these four giants hovering above him like Viking warriors, made Dale feel insignificant. The man stuck out his hand to Juke, and then pulled him into a man hug.
"Ah, Juke, it's been awhile. I almost didn't recognise you. Thought you were a pony. If you're still giving rides...I'd like to book a session or two."
"Very funny Saul. You don't earn enough to afford a ride on my back. Dale this is Leah's brother." Juke pulled Dale forward. "Saul, this is Dale, my mate."
Saul laughed, hugging Dale to him, then held him at arm’s length, before letting him go. "I heard it, but I didn't believe it—that's why I volunteered to wait for your arrival." His eyes wandered over Dale, who shuffled uncomfortably under his scrutiny. "What a turn up for the books. A ladies man with a gay wolf. As I live and breathe."
"Go on, get it over with, you have this one chance, and then I don't want to hear of this again," Juke said pulling Dale back against his chest.
"It's okay that was it, anything else I have to say. I will say behind your back. He's pretty I'll give you that." His gaze danced over Dale again, then he leaned in and sniffed him. "What did you do? Spray him with your scent. He stinks of you."
"We ran into some trouble. Juke's mate is in heat. Do you have any clothes back there?" Jazz strolled passed them all and headed toward what looked like a shop front and pulled open the glass door.
"Yeah, go out back you will find some." Saul answered absently—not taking his eyes off Dale as they widened further at Jazz’s words. He raised his eyebrows, staring at Dale in wonder. His gaze went from the top of Dale's head to the tip of his boots all over again. Then fixed on Juke. "Is Jazz joking? I can never tell."
"No, he's telling the truth. Somehow he is in heat, and it caused quite a disturbance in town. Then we lost the vehicle we were driving. By the way can you get that sorted for me?"
"You talk like this is something that happens every day. He's a man. How can he be in heat?"
"We don't know. It's something we have to figure out."
"But I can't smell anything, but you. He's covered from head to toe in your scent."
"I had to mask his heat, to get us here without having to fight our way through. He hasn't turned yet."
"He hasn't turned?"
"Saul, anything else you want to know will have to wait. The gathering is tomorrow, everything will be answered then. We’re tired."
"Here, take this." Jazz threw a pair of pants and sweater at both Juke and Paul. "I've sorted out some snowmobiles. You take Dale home. I will stay at Paul's tonight. I’ve called Leah, she’s sorted her own transport and will bring Kirk with her in the morning. Father has requested our presence by ten."
"Fuck him, he left us. I’ll see him when I'm good and ready."
"I'll be sure to pass that message on."
"Please do, and don't forget to add the fuck you. Saul I'll see you tomorrow." Juke stalked off dragging Dale with him, heading toward the large doors of the factory looking building that Jazz had exited, and left open.