“We ran into some trouble with some Asian Werewolves.”

(Excerpt of Sororate Chapter Two)

 

Although the old Riverclaw home was just down the hill from ours, we still drove in Declan’s metallic black, plasma-powered, pick up truck.

The Lokoti Tribe lived in the World Heritage Listed, Lokoti National Park.  We were situated in the Alaska Range approximately 4.5 hours north of Anchorage and 1.5 hours south of Fairbanks.  The tribal lands looked like a small village of wooden houses along tiny streets.  We were surrounded by forest, snow-tipped mountains and interconnected river ways.  Every full moon I hunted with my mate and pack inside the vast wilderness, to feed on large prey such as bear, caribou, moose or else.  

My husband drove the short way and pulled up in the driveway of the large, two-story, log cabin which had been in the Riverclaw family for several generations.  The 19 year old Forrest Riverclaw, come out onto the front veranda to greet us. 

“Grandfather says you’re already back from your trip?”  He shook Declan’s hand before kissing my cheek.

“We ran into some trouble with some Asian Werewolves.”  My mate said shortly.  “But we’ll explain later.  Where’s your grandfather?”

Forrest opened the front door for us and we followed him inside.  As soon as I came into the house, I halted in surprise as I experienced the strongest sense of déjà vu.  Last year Declan and I came with the death of my Uncle Julian, whom was Chiron’s grandfather.  Then we saw the younger generations of Riverclaw’s mill sadly around the living room and today they were doing it again.

“Aunt B and Uncle Declan.”  Sharon nodded in acknowledgement.

She was Stone’s middle-aged, human wife.   Then the youthful appearance of Stone who was Chiron’s son, jogged down the stairs to shake my mate’s hand and place another kiss on my cheek.

“Thanks for coming so fast.”  He said gratefully.  “Dad is upstairs with my grandfather.”

Forrest sat next to his mother on the couch, as his little sister sat on the other.  He was the pack’s youngest Werewolf, as he turned after Uncle Julian’s death and he tried to be strong for his family.  We watched him put a comforting arm about his mother’s shoulders and pass a smile his sister’s way.  Declan and I noted this, before we headed up the stairs with Stone leading us into one of the bedrooms.

We found the middle-aged Chiron, sitting on the side of the bed that the elderly Phoenix was lying on top of.  My younger cousin whom looked much older; was fully dressed, showing he must have passed away in his sleep during an afternoon nap.  His son put down the deceased’s hand to stand up and face the arrivals.

“Aunt B and Uncle Dec.”  He nodded tearfully.

I rushed forwards and engulfed him in hug, as my mate gave an understanding nod. 

“Dad wasn’t the same after his father died.”  Chiron sighed sadly when he released me.  “The last twelve months, seemed like he was just waiting to rejoin his family and mate in the Holy Hunting Grounds.”

As Declan and I approached the bed to say our goodbyes, Stone came to stand beside his father and place a supportive hand on his shoulder.

My eyes stung as I stared down into the elderly man’s peaceful face which was framed by his long, white hair.

“Hi Phoenix, its bitch-features.”  I tearfully joked to my late relation.  “Say hi to Mum and Dad, Uncle Jules and Aunt Danika, Phoebe and Vincent for me.”

My usually obnoxious cousin of course didn’t reply, and seeing him like this was upsetting.

 

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