Fighting Fate

CHAPTER 7

“OK so we’ve got a welcoming committee to pick them up at the airport?” Mac asked, looking to Nathaniel and Fiona.

“Yeah, I’m gonna grab the rental car and meet them. Tom, Louise, Cam and Bryce from Wilson Pack are going to be the main crew since they are hosting first. We'll caravan to Wilson territory and once they're settled in, I’ll leave the rental and hoof it to relieve Jake for a patrol shift.”

Their weekly sit downs with the Alphas had been bogged down with logistics throughout the summer. They'd tackled visas, flight plans, health records, vaccination status, temporary housing, coordinating stays with each pack, and revisions of the longtimer handbook which hadn’t been updated in a decade.

Everything was coming to a head as the arrival date approached. As the Beta team for the High Alpha, Nathaniel and Fiona were largely responsible for running point and directly communicating with the three applicants.

Each Alpha had submitted a brief bio of their own pack and region of the Park, which Nat and Fiona compiled into both digital and physical portfolios. Emails were sent almost daily, it was a heavy flow of information. She knew the preparation could be overwhelming at this stage.

But the devil was in the details, and getting everything sorted now made for a smoother experience when they actually received their guests. Yet, she didn't doubt there would still be questions upon their arrival.

In addition, they had the normal business of managing summer visitors at Yellowstone. Pack members who were Park Rangers worked their normal shifts as well as putting in extra lupine hours to monitor the wolf packs.

The wolves of Yellowstone National Park had a reasonably stable alliance with the Yellowstone Werewolves. It ran blood deep but was upheld on the transient nature of visiting Werefolk. If werewolves took advantage or overstayed their welcome within the packs, it would upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the wolves’ way of life.

They were, after all, wild animals. They recognized werewolves as brothers, of a sort, but they protected their own kind and their own hierarchies savagely if they felt infringed upon.

The wolves were very tolerant of families with children, extending Were-pups the same patience they gave their own. But parents were expected to be as firm and swift with discipline as their lupine counterparts.

It was the influx of college students on summer break which required extra vigilance. Rangers and pack leaders took shifts patrolling the various territories, making sure the kids didn’t treat the packs like a party experience.

Hunting forays were strictly overseen, with either an Alpha or Beta required to participate. It was a season of always being on alert.

Consequences could be brutal if anything got out of hand while integrated with a pack. There were always a few visitors suspended each summer. Everyone on the oversight team was worn thin.

“Ok great, Heather and I will let them relax after traveling and head to meet them the following day. Has Tom sent his itinerary yet?” Mac removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“Yep, I think we forwarded it to you, right Fio?” His question hung in the air for a few beats

“Oh! Yes. Sorry guys. It’s been a long summer. I’m running on fumes. Should be in your email Mac.”

“Got it. Ok I think we’re as ready as we can be at this point. Anything to add hon?” Mac looked over to his wife before wrapping things up.

“Just want to thank you two again. I know prepping for 3 has been a lot, especially for you Fiona. We probably should’ve pulled back your Ranger shifts, but you’ve risen to the occasion. Don’t think we haven’t noticed. We’re fortunate to have you as Betas. You really make our lives easier and are a credit to the pack.”

Heather’s sincerity touched Fiona. She knew they were a valued Beta team, but hearing it out loud was always so nice. She could feel a prickling at the back of her eyes.

“I married the right woman, what can I say?” Nat smiled at her. Seeing her expression, his brow furrowed a touch and he reached a hand up to her shoulder.

“You ok babe?” he sounded concerned.

“Fine, just not myself.” She reached to take the hand Heather had reached across the table. The Alpha had also noticed her emotional state.

“Thanks Heather. I really appreciate it. We’re happy to do what we can. It helps knowing you’re more than just our bosses.” She smiled at both Heather and Mac. They were more than her Alphas, they were friends.

“Anything you guys need, you let us know. We couldn’t do it without you, especially not during a High Alpha cycle. I’ll be ready to step down when my time is up.” Mac added to his wife’s support.

“You take this woman on a trip soon Nat. You’ve both earned it.” Heather said lightly, pointing at Nat and tilting her head in a mock reprimand.

“Don’t have to tell me twice! We’ll definitely be ready for a getaway after the interviews are finished.” Nat rubbed his hand across her shoulders and settled it warmly on the side of her neck, squeezing reassuringly.

“Ok, let's call it for today and get out of here. Homestretch; see you next week.” Mac slapped both palms on the table, ending the sentimental moment.

With that, they all rose and headed toward the door. The two men clasped hand and clapped shoulders while the women hugged goodbye. Heather lingered in the hug just to give some extra support. Fiona was grateful, and smiled warmly as they went their separate ways.

Walking out to the parking lot, Nat threw an arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him and heaved a sigh.

“You sure you’re alright?” he said, kissing the top of her head.

“Just ready for the summer to be over. I’ll perk back up when these double shifts end.”

In truth, Fiona felt ragged. And it was more than just the doubles. She’d managed those for years; something else was weighing on her.

Dreams of Samantha had continued sporadically over the summer, further fraying her nerves. She couldn’t figure out what had set this off. Why would insecurities about Sam crop up after 12 years?

She wasn’t particularly superstitious, but this felt intentional. As if there truly was a ghost purposefully haunting her.

Adding to the heaviness, she hadn’t wanted to share the dreams with Nat.

He’d opened his heart and done the work to make her feel loved and special. It wouldn’t be fair to ask him to do it again because she was feeling unsteady. They had a perfectly happy marriage, there was no reason to rock that boat.

Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off; something was shifting. It felt like a shadow was looming just on the edge of her peripheral vision, but she was never able to see it head on. Even when she shifted, her wolf form felt tense and her eyes constantly searched the horizon. Something was out there, pulling on her senses. But what?