Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)

Chapter 54 - Epilogue

Landon

Exhausted was the understatement of the year.

The mass pyres would forever burn in the hearts of all shifters - those who lost loved ones, those who survived or witnessed the destruction. Times were hard, but the darkest ones were yet to come.

The werewolf existence was front page news. While many accepted them, they were outnumbered by those who feared the change and drew war lines in the sand. Pack Order handled the PR nightmare as best as they could, but even they were unsuccessful in creating enough trust between the two parties to prevent further escalation.

The media interest in werewolves bordered obsession. Alpha commands were placed over packs to prevent shifters from revealing too much information too fast. While werewolves were relieved and the secret was out, they recognized the need to be cautious. Humans did have a tendency to destroy what they did not understand.

Pack Order had a new mission. They became the leading institution navigating the transitional times. The human curiosity needed to be nurtured and the information presented in a positive light. The location and numbers of the shifter community were closely guarded secrets. While Pack Order was trying to maintain balance, many packs retreated to self-sufficient rural communities. The segregation made them easier to identify. Once called cults, now they were named communes and protesters rallied around them as well as multiple news vans in search for the next sensation.

Some, like the Howlers, continued to hide in plain sight. In the uncertainty of times, they prepared for the worst keeping cash, jewelry and food at hand. Forgotten bomb shelters were dusted off in the hopes they would never be used. The air stunk heavy with fear, despite Jacob’s management of the crisis.

Werewolves and humans were one misunderstood action away from World War III.

“You worry too much,” Violet snuggled into his side.

“Someone has to,” Landon responded.

“Have some faith,” Violet replied.

“Nothing got resolved,” Landon complained.

“Life is not a movie or book to give you the planned resolution when you want it,” Violet whispered, her hand moving over his chest. “Accept you can’t control or rush anything.”

“Best things come to those who wait,” Landon teased running his hands over her spine and down over the raise of her bottom.

“I’ve been very patient,” Violet whispered encouragingly as he traced imaginary patterns over her skin.

Landon loved her spirit. He loved everything about her, but even Violet could not erase the stress from the last couple of days.

As predicted the water carried Creed throughout the public water and sewers system, washing away all shifter contact that came with it. Pack Order worked tirelessly to help hide the fact that werewolves were not the only shifters in town. But while the public was somewhat prepared to accept werewolves thanks to the numerous romantic stories about their bond, the future was not as bright for werecats or werebears who would be seen as a loose predator.

Wayne was stuck in legislation, fighting for acceptance, equal rights and opportunities for shifters. The humans started developing more awareness of their surroundings and it was only a matter of time before they came up with rapid DNA testing for werewolves. Luckily, they were looking for a wolf specific gene and as long as no other shifter came forward the shifter-genea would continue to evade them. Or so dr Kaleo explained before she opened a clinic on Aberdeen’s turf. If there was a silver lining to everything it had to be the old grump’s happiness. He continued to see DrKaleo but avoided letting her see him in his wheelchair.

Pack Order also changed with the times. Hildeguard took upon himself to restructure it from the inside. The recruitment and training practices were the first to transform into clear chain of command, much alike the human military. Everyone knew who to report to, making the administrative work leaner. The old-timers were pushed into retirement and while Pack Order did take a financial hit for the next ten years, it was for the benefit of werekind. The potential for growth in ranks attracted more qualified candidates, and the training practices shaped them in good soldiers. They were trained in the new political climate, making them ambassadors of the shifter-nation, instead of hired guns.

Pack Order credited the Howlers for the notification, and Riverdale for Creed’s containment. There were also those who still lobbied for stronger leadership in light of the publicity surrounding werewolves. Some Battalions openly supported candidates for Aberdeen’s title but no challenge was issued. In light of the changes, Caleb’s name kept on coming up. Many thought it was about time to openly promote acceptance of all kind, and Caleb was their perfect candidate - strong but forgiving, family tied and openly gay. Landon wanted to be happy for Jack and Caleb but there was something there he could not quite get. Perhaps it was indeed his history with Devaro that clouded his judgement. Either way, they were the least of his worries now.

In the midst of the crisis, nobody saw where Valencia went. In retrospect, Landon should have paid closer attention to her. She was the one piece of the puzzle that oddly fit. Leaving Conner and McCabe to worry about her whereabouts was suspicious, but there was no sign of struggle and no lead in the investigation of her disappearance. At this point of time, many hoped she would turn up lost on the Howler’s land or at home, but Landon’s gut told him his contacts will eventually find her and she would lead him to Gagnon. It was the most logical explanation, and even Conner accepted she had traded herself for his life and title. Of course, he was angry with her impulsive decision, but there was not much he could do until she was found.

Conner refused to take anything from Gagnon but could not leave Shadow Waters without strong leadership. The coordinated raid on Hacksaw produced substantial evidence that convicted Gagnon in multiple counts of abuse of authority, neglect, and biological experimentation. While his name was kept out of the news, there was an international bounty on his head. While humans had to deal with jurisdiction, things in were-world were much simpler. He was convicted, justice had spoken and only the execution remained to be served. Between Pack Order, the McCabes and Antonio, there were not enough places for Gagnon to hide, much less hold Valencia hostage. It was only a matter of time before they were found.

The Moonwalkers became the youngest pack in the world, and Antonio was nicknamed the Peter Pan Alpha. If only Disney knew about just how bloodthirsty he had become, they would have never offered to televise his story. The truce between the three Alphas stood. In fact, it was the only thing preventing Alpha Antonio from a bloodshed. Many believed they could take him on, but thought twice because of the overwhelming support the pack had from its neighbours - Riverdale and the Howlers. While they had no obligation to declare it, their help instead of invasion was proof enough of their intentions. The Howlers held together not only the union but its territories. The patrols consisted with mixed pack members allowing them to respond to any attack and carry the message to all corners of the vast territory.

Aberdeen had no illusions about his future. His incapacitated state made him an easy target. While others interpreted his choice to operate from the Howler’s packhouse as betrayal and abandonment of his post, Landon saw it for what it was - true leadership. The pack’s future was Ethan’s priority and surpassed pride and petty power-struggles. Those were the qualities of a true Alpha.

Violet patted his chest, straddling his waist. His hands immediately landed on her waist.

“Relax,” Violet told him.

“Impossible,” Landon argued. Her provocative nightie was doing its magic.

“Here,” Violet tapped her finger over his forehead, then snuck her hand between their bodies, before applying, “not there.”

Landon smiled. As long as they had each other, they would be all right.

The END