Medic and the Wolf

Jake

Jake

I go up to the big city. Oh, how I hate the city. I love my wilderness in the south but this is a necessary trip. I’m running this training session and want to scout out the candidates. I like to try and see how people work when they don't think they are being graded or judged, see what they really got. Little does anyone know I’m going to try and poch some of the best for my station. My personnel is dangerously low, our work is dangerous enough, but not having enough manpower is even more so. They can't be just anyone though. They not only have to be good at what they do, but they can't be too noisy either. We have to protect the pack and our secrets. We have the largest pack in our territory, with a few humans. The pack knows to be careful around them with their shifting, but sometimes things happen mostly with the little pups not paying attention. We have been able to keep off the radar of humans so far and I like to keep it that way.

I arrived in the late morning. After checking into the hotel, I set off with the list in my hand. There are four names from the city. I track down their stations. I’m on the third name when a high rescue call comes out. I decided to go and see what it's about. I sit in my car looking at the files with their names, pictures and all their stats. I get through three of them mesmerizing what they look like, most likely they will all be here on this call. I get to the fourth one, everything is there but the picture. I find that odd, it was a requirement of being accepted into the program. I look at all the stats and am surprised at what I see. He has better stats than me, I think. I look at the name K.Stone, well it's gonna be interesting meeting him.

I made my way through the crowd. Looking around, I see two of the men providing ground support. I see the third gathering up rope and rigging preparing to go into the building. I keep scanning the area trying to catch the name on a jacket of K.Stone. NOTHING. I’m not even sure he is here, but why wouldn't he be? This is a major job. The sound of the crowd around me gasping took me out of my thoughts. What did I miss? Using my wolf vision, I see the rescuer inverted upside down holding onto a victim. He lifts the victim above him to his rope then rights himself up straight. That's when I see the name on the jacket,K.Stone. WOW, he's strong for a human, I think to myself. I see them working on a window below. I'm assuming that's the exit plan, the second victim is being winched up by the third guy in my folder. Good job,nice and smooth on the ropes. Then I go back to Stone, being battered by the winds. It’s windy down here, so I know it's worse up there. All of a sudden, he propels down and in three swings they're threw the window. DAM!! That was gutsy. I have seen all I needed to and have my mind made up that I’m gonna keep him. He would be great to have on the team.

It’s getting late and all the exciting stuff is now over. I head back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. I find a nice quiet restaurant near a park. Sitting by the window, I have a nice view. I ask the waitress if a lot of people enjoy the park. “ It used to be crowded everyday before the virus with kids running around and people picnicking, but now it's like a ghost town”. I just nob in response knowing the city was hit hard by this mysterious sickness. I decided to take a walk after dinner. I know it's too risky to shift but a nice walk will do fine. As the sun goes down and the moon comes out, I find myself lost in thought. Thinking or worrying more about our situation at home. The personnel crises and the elders not wanting any more humans brought into the territory on a permanent basis.

Besides, who's to say any of them will decide to stay after training? I guess the worst case is that they learn new skills and we have some extra help in the meantime.

The breeze picked up brings a sweet heavenly scent to my nose, bringing me out of my thoughts. I looked around and saw I was near the edge of the park by a parking lot. I looked over the cars to a small rundown building, the light sound of music playing and laughter in the air.

I get more of the scent as I see a small silhouette emerge from the building, it smells of lavender, I take deep breaths watching. I have to meet this person and I start to feel a pull towards them. I feel excited all of a sudden, just as I’m about to step out of the shadows another silhouette appears, a bigger one. I stop and watch to see what happens. I hear a husky voice that makes me mad all of a sudden, then a soft voice that sounds like an angel. My breath hitches in my throat, my eyes go wide and my head screams MATE!

They part ways and she walks to a car. I see her stop and look around,but I couldn't see her face. Even using my wolf vision, there is too much shadow. All I’m able to see is sparkling blue eyes. Then she's gone. I have to find her. I will find her again. I vow to myself.

Kate

It's morning and I have nothing to do since I’m off from work. What to do, what to do, I keep trying to think of something to do to occupy my mind…. I got the bright idea and went to work. I don't think it will be a problem-since we are short-staffed. So I clean up and dress for work, make sure I have all my tools and supplies, and head out. I quietly walked in the station to the locker room, putting my bags in my locker, thinking I, entered without being noticed. How wrong I was, when I shut the locker door. The Chief was standing behind it. I jump. I was surprised to see the frown on his face.

“Hey Chief, what a great day.”

“What are you doing here?”

“OOHHH no how are ya nice to see ya?”

“I gave you the week off and didn't expect to see ya for another 4 weeks…. So what are you doing here?”

“ Well… I have nothing to do, I’m packed for the trip, the house is taken care of and I have done plenty of rest.. SSOOOOOO I thought I would come in and help before its time to go.” I had a big smile on my face.

“ Too bad you're not working today, you still need rest. I see the smile on your face but it doesn't reach your eyes and you still look like hell. If you have nothing to do and won't rest, then why don't you travel down south early and get the lay of the land before training starts?”

‘OOHH Chief.. I would, I really would, but then that would mess up the accommodations that are in place and I don't want to be a bother.”

“Nope, no bother at all, make it a road trip. I'll move them around and inform the trainer he won't have to meet you at the airport. You will see him on the first day at the station,” he states in his stern tone, and I know there is no backing down. His mind is made up.

I purse my lips as I’m deep in thought, that’s not a bad idea. If I leave tonight, then I will be there by morning taking my time. I sighed and put my head down. I know the Chief is right but don't want to admit it.

He puts a hand on my shoulder.

“ Take the time to go down early, you love the woods and wilds. Recharge and have some fun, get that sparkle we love so much back.” he says this more kindly and worries in his voice. All I can do is nod while fighting the tears that threaten to break through my eyelids.

I pack the car up at home and tell my son I’ll be leaving a bit early. He had a smile on his face, happy to see I was doing something for myself for once. OFF I go!