Chapter 9

Declan was hiding in the darkness of the woods, his eyes watching the tent that was set up near a fire. McTaggart, Charleston, and I stood across from him on the other side of the woods.

I saw the smirk play on his face when Michael appeared from the tent, wearing only his coat to keep the cold off his naked body. He walks over to a tree in front of Declan, who is still unseen, before relieving himself.

When Michael jumps and lets out a yelp, I know that he's seen Declan through the trees.

Declan laughs, walking out from the woods and out in the open where the rest of us join him. "I got you," Declan points to Michael who is breathing heavily. He turns and notices me, smiling, "Anna! Declan! You're alive!"

"Come here, boy," Declan says with a smile, pulling Michael into a hug.

"What the hell are you doing sneaking up on us?" Michael asks, pulling away and facing Declan, his head turning to me a few times.

"Well, took us a long time to find you," Declan says with a shrug, being half true. We've been a little busy. Declan turns his head, noticing Michael's uncovered coat, "Michael!". Michael see's what Declan is yelling at and quickly covers himself with his coat.

My eyes see Sokanon, who is standing behind Declan. Her eyes glare at me before turning to Declan who is chuckling as he turns. Once he sees Sokanon's glare, his smile falls and her name slips out in a whisper, "Sokanon."

McTaggart, with a large smile, says, "Sokanon. Lovely to see you again, sweetheart."

In second, Sokanon has her bow and arrow aimed at McTaggart, looking beyond pissed. I know she's ready to fire any second, so I step in front of the crazy eyed man, causing her to lower the arrow. She knows better than to aim a weapon at me.

She stares at me, giving Declan a quick glance before turning and walking away.

"Touchy," McTaggart comments, making me glare at him.

"Oh yeah, I forgot. She hates you," Declan said, pointing to McTaggart who shrugs.

There is a small pause as Michael looks at everyone, his eyes landing on me with a smile. He takes a step towards me, his arms going outward to hug me. My feet took a step back, my hand holding up to stop him, "I'll hug you after you put some pants on, Michael."

He looks down, holding his jacket before nodding, "Right." He turns, walking away from the group in embarrassment.

We all took the night to get some rest, something that I was defiantly grateful for. By morning, I was ready to start my day. I ate and grabbed two knives to practice throwing, something I did to pass time.

It was no surprise when Declan joined me a few minutes later, both of us finding a target and hitting it every time. It was just the two of us for a bit, making me enjoy the small moment we had together.

Declan throws the knife again, hitting dead on the target. I nod in approval before throwing my own knife and hit just next to his. Any closer and I would have landed right on his knife. He looks at me with a smirk, seeming to admire my still flawless moves.

As Declan retrieved the knives, my stomach started to toss, putting my body in an uncomfortable state. I move my weight around, hoping to stop the tossing and find some sort of normal.

I fail to realize Declan's eyes on me the entire time.

"Are you okay?"

My eyes look at his face, noticing how worried he is. I want nothing more than to tell him that I don't feel good, but until we finish things or I find out why, I'm not saying a word. If it's a bug, it'll leave my system soon.

"Yeah," I said, gaining a stare from Declan. His stare looks right through me, making me sigh. Crap he's good. "Just, not feeling so good, that's all. Probable because I almost saw Michael's junk last night," I said, hoping to brighten the moment.

I'm happy when my husband shares my smile and we both chuckle a little. As Declan takes his spot next to me, Michael's body comes into view. He makes his way over to us, stopping towards the side of Declan and I.

"What happened to the two of you?" Michael asked, wanting to know where we went and what had happened.

Declan doesn't say a word, instead he throws his knife at the target again. Knowing Michael enough to know that he won't drop it until he gets a real answer, I speak up. "We survived," A truth that doesn't give in to as much detail.

I throw my own knife.

Another knife is thrown by Declan while Michael tries to figure out what all that means. He seems to give up and move onto other things. "We've had success hitting HBC outposts and taking furs."

As Michael talks, I've thrown my last knife, causing Declan to walk over and retrieve them again. When he turns around, he slightly glares at Michael, "So the Black Wolf are thieves now?"

The Black Wolf was our home, family, and to hear they've fallen so far so fast is stabbing to us. We've worked hard to make it what is was.

"When Dimanche left, most of the men left. When you and Anna disappeared, it was just me and Sokanon. We had a job to convince a few of the men to rejoin us. We needed capital. So we took a few loans from the HBC. I thought you'd approve," Michael says, gesturing towards Declan confused.

Declan sighs, looks at the four knives in his hand before handing me my two. He then gives one of his to Michael, stepping to the side. I copy his action on the other side, watching Michael as he throws the knife. He completely misses the target, almost missing the tree.

"Throw straight, not hard," I comment, making Michael go to retrieve the knife. As Michael's back is turned from us, Declan's eyes land on me. We all knew from the sight of Sokanon half-naked and Michael pretty much naked, what had happened last night.

Michael was still young in the sense of wanting approval for certain things. And since Sokanon was part of our group, he seeked it from us.

I nod over to Michael, causing Declan to look at me confused. My mouth mouths Sokanon's name and nods towards Michael again as he turns. Declan lets out a sigh.

"You and Sokanon belong together. She trusts you. Just remember. She's family," Declan says and throws his last knife.

Michael looks at the knife sticking out of the same spot for the hundredth time. "So, what now?"

"You tell us, Michael," I say, making Michael turn and look at me before facing Declan. He sees that we're serious and takes this chance to speak up.

"I think we should keep hitting outposts, we can hit York boats when they portage. We could end up with a thousand pelts."

Declan sucks in a breath, "I don't think that's really gonna hurt the Company."

"Is our goal to rebuild the Black Wolf - or to undermine the Company?" Michael asks, still unclear why our revenge is more important than the Black Wolf Company.

Speaking honestly, I say, "We want both."

Michael turns between Declan and I in disbelief. Not wanting this conversation to continue, Declan turns and walks away, leaving Michael and I to ourselves for a minute. I can see the look of disappointment on Michael's face as he looks down.

I sigh, crossing my arms as I say, "You did good, kid. But our work isn't done yet." My words can mean many things and it's up to Michael to figure out what it means for him.

My head turns back around, noticing Michael grabbing the knife. He throws it once more, listening to my suggestion and hits right next to the target. I smile for a second before completely walking away and heading back to the small camp sight.

At dusk, Declan called for a meeting, making me wonder what he had planned. Michael and Sokanon stood by a tree with their two friends standing by them. Charleston and McTaggart are sitting on a log in front of the small fire, sharpening knives.

I found myself sitting on a log across from Charlie, looking up at Declan as he walked over, standing near me.

"One night, ten thousand pelts. We're going to rob Fort James."

All of us raised our eyes questionable, McTaggart being the only one who responded, "Ten thousand pelts? Are you out of your mind? We're wanted men..." He says, glancing over at me to notice my glare, "...and women."

Michael crossed his arms, "It's not easy to move around Fort James."

Declan turned, pointing to Michael, "But it can be done."

"How?" I asked, causing Declan to look back at me. "Michael's working on a plan."

At first, no one responded, unsure of what to say. Our fate was riding on the shoulders of Michael, meaning that anything could be said and made into a plan. Just the thought made my stomach turn.

Sokanon sighed, "How do we get the pelts out of Fort James unnoticed?"

Michael moves over to the small group, drawing it all out in the dirt as he spoke. "Season's haul will be in one place: the Company Storehouse. There only is one way in or out. That door faces the Center Square, which is bordered by the Ale House, the Blacksmith's Shop and the West Gate."

"Which means a lot of people," Charlie said, glancing at Declan and I.

Grabbing his attention, Michael pointed to him, "Yes, but tucked behind the Storehouse is a Root Cellar."

"So we're gonna dig a tunnel," I said, the pieces coming together in my head.

Michael nodded, confirming my thoughts before explaining what will happen. "We take the bundles from the root cellar, through the woods, and to the river. Assuming we could do this out of sight and at a steady pace it'll take us about a week. And there'll be about a foot and a half of masonry in the foundation to blow through."

"We're gonna need an explosives expert," Charlie commented, looking at all of us.

McTaggart looked at Declan and I with a smile, "Jack. That mad bastard."

Someone just as crazy if not crazier than McTaggart.

"A friend of yours," Michael asked, looking at me next to him.

My eyes didn't leave the set up plan that was drawn into the ground. "He can get through the rock. How do we get out?" My stomach tossed again and I shit my mouth tightly, trying not to throw up over the plan.

Michael looked at his plan, thinking for a second in hopes it'd reveal itself. It must have because he said, "With a mountain of fur and no ship to transport it? If we had a bunch of canoes at the river, and men who can guide them upriver at night, then it could actually work."

Declan nodded, grabbing his white fur jacket and knife, slipping them on. "Well, we know someone who can deliver canoes."

"Wahush," Sokanon said, her voice low as she closed her eyes. She had hoped she would get through everything without seeing him. So much for that.

"Then all we need is a buyer in Montreal. I'll take care of that. It's settled," Declan said, nodding to everyone.

Michael stood and looked at his friend, "You really think we can do this?"

"I know we can," My husband responded, holding up a knife as he swiped Michael's ax. "Good trade," He said with a smile, causing Michael to roll his eyes. He grabbed the knife, "I regret this already."

Declan patted Michael's back, "Good man. Alright, take Michael to Wahush," He said to Sokanon before looking at the two boys. "You guys start heading off to Fort James." His eyes then landed on McTaggart, Charlie, and I, "Boys, Anna, let's go pick up Jack and we'll head to Montreal. We'll meet in Fort James in a fortnight."

We all nod, standing to get ready. The second my body stood, I felt my stomach start to give out, causing me to fast walk away. I could feel some eyes on me as I walked away, heading far enough away that no one would hear me.

I hold onto a tree as I throw up my dinner from tonight, my stomach feeling better. I'm tired and now hungry again but push the feelings aside before heading back.

After we've grabbed our jackets, weapons, and a few supplies to help us survive while we're gone, we head out.

McTaggart takes the lead as Charlie follows close behind, listening to the non-stop stories McTaggart is sharing with him about Jack. Declan and I keep a slight distance, hearing or living through most of the stories and not needing a repeat.

I catch Declan's continuous glances towards me every now and then, making me wonder if he saw me throw up again. It's no secret that Declan knows somethings wrong, but until I find out what I'm not worrying him about it. Besides, I ate and drank a crap load of water, making me ten times better than before.

After what felt like the 15th glare since we've left, I finally spoke up. "I know I'm a sight, but even for you this is a little much."

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" Declan asked, skipping the "are you okay" and me responding with "I'm fine". He knows me well.

"I'm fine," I still respond anyways, looking over to see Declan's worried face. It breaks my heart to see him this worried, so I do the one thing I try my best not to ever do. I lie to him. "If something was wrong, I'd tell you, you know that."

Declan only lets out a grunt in response, looking at the ground again as we walk.

The sudden sound of a gunshot is hears, along with the yell of McTaggart as he holds his leg in pain.

"Get down!" Declan yelled, placing a hand on my back and pushing me towards the ground where we crawled behind a large rock. Charlie grabbed a yelling McTaggart and quickly ducked him behind a large rock as well.

Another gunshot is heard as McTaggart groans and swears in pain.

"Stay down, we don't know how many there are," Declan orders McTaggart and Charlie.

As Charlie wraps up McTaggart's leg, another gunshot hits near their rock. "I count eight seconds a shot. There's only one of 'em. Listen." Eight seconds later, there's another gunshot, hitting near us now. "Those shots are coming from one place," Charlie says.

McTaggart shakes his head, squirming in pain, "Nah! Away you go. No man can reload that fast."

Charlie seems to agree, "A musket, no. But a Fergusson rifle; old Mister Russell had one, prized it like none other."

Gunshot.

"Ah, Bastard!' McTaggart yelled out to the person.

Charlie continues to explain, "Eight shots a minute in capable hands."

McTaggart tries to turn to stand, crazy in his eyes. "I just need a run at the bastard."

"Keep your goddamn head down," Declan ordered as Charlie yanks McTaggart down again. There's another gunshot as Declan peeks over the rock, ducking back down before it hits him. He sighs before looking at Charlie, "Get him and Anna to Jack's place. Anna knows the way. He's after me, not you."

"He's after both of us," I said, grabbing his arm aggressively, making him look at me.

My words are true, but so is his. "Yeah, but I'm a bigger target." I don't like the plan and Declan can see that clear as day on my face. "I'll be okay, I promise," He tries to comfort me.

Charlie quickly spoke up at the other rock, "That rifle can hit you from 300 yards out. If he spots you coming-"

"I'll be the last thing he sees," Declan says, giving me a small but quick kiss. I don't have time to fully return it before he turns, crouches and disappears into the woods.

A sigh leaves my lips before I look over to McTaggart and Charlie, "Come on." We stay low and move quickly through the woods, only standing when we're sure we're far enough away.

Charlie and I help McTaggart as he limps his way through the woods. By the time we get to the mountains, near Jack's house, it's already started to snow.

McTaggart starts singing as we climb the mountain, causing Charlie to sigh, "Is it absolutely necessary that you sing?"

"Either I sing or I pass out," McTaggart shots towards Charlie.

The cabin comes into view, "Just keep walking," I ordered, doing my best to help Charlie hold McTaggart's weight.

Once we're close enough that Jack would hear us, even inside his cabin, McTaggart starts yelling. "Jack! Get your ass out here, I'm bleeding like a pig and won't last the night!"

The door opens and we're expected to be greeted by Jack, only to freeze when it's not Jack that steps out. A tall, strong man, almost Siberian like, stands before us. The three of us drop our mouths in shock, unsure of how this man could go from hunting Declan in the woods to Jack's cabin so quickly.

He walks over to us, making us stumble back. I quickly let go of McTaggart and pull out my knife, only for his hand to stop me.

"Hello White Wolf," He says with a wicked smirk.

Before another move is made, we're tossed into the small cabin-like house. Jack's headless body lays on the ground at the window, making me jump lightly. McTaggart sits on the table while Charlie sits in the chair next to him. I stand at the end of the table, keeping my eyes on the large man before us.

The Siberian stands at the window, looking out it with a smirk. He soon crosses the small room towards the door, opening it and standing in the doorway.

"I know you're out there, Black Wolf. You should have cut your losses!" The Siberian yelled out into the snowy mountain.

Suddenly, Declan's voice yelled back in, "Anna! You alright?"

"Yeah, but McTaggart's lost a lot of blood!" I yelled out, my eyes looking out the door to find him hiding behind a medium size rock.

The Siberian must not have his gun, otherwise he would have shot Declan already.

"Just let 'em go. It's just you and me," Declan yelled to the Siberian.

"Come, Black Wolf. I wait long time for you. We will fight. Your friends... They can go. Except this one," He throws Jack's severed head out into the snow, making me squirm in my spot.

There's a moment of silence that I quickly use, "Declan! Don't come in here! It's a-" I'm cut off by the Siberian's hand as it back hands me with such force that I let out a yelp and fall to the ground.

Declan's panicked voice quickly speaks up and I look out to see him rushing out into the open, holding his hands up. "Stop. Stop! You win! You win! Just let them go. It's you and me."

The Siberian nodded, "You have my word."

Declan takes a step as I sit up, leaning my back on the cabin wall behind me. His eyes manage to catch me before returning to the Siberian. "Sorry about Jack, Charlie! I know he was your friend." Charlie, McTaggart, and I all exchange confused glances. "Remember that grizzle bear you two took down together?" Declan asked, recalling a story that McTaggart was telling Charlie.

Charlie's eyes moved around the room, his voice sounding sure, "Yeah." He reaches for a bowl next to him as McTaggart speaks up. "Harp! Don't be stupid! We'll never make it out!"

"I told you. I give you my word," The Siberian says to Declan again.

Using the moment, Charlie throws the bowl into the small fire that was lit in the cabin. There's a large spark as the Siberian turns, causing his eyes to close and his body to stumble back.

Declan quickly runs at him, tackling him into the wall before letting him drop. He grabs my arm, yanking me up as Charlie helps Mctaggart. We rush out of the cabin as Declan yells, "Go, go, go, go!"

We make it out of the cabin just as there's an explosion behind us, bursting the cabin into flames.

Our four bodies stop and turn to watch the fire as the window pushes our hair around. All of us are shocked by what just happened, but grateful for Jack's bombs that have always been carelessly places around.

"Rest in peace, Jack Crisp, you fucking nutter," McTaggart says as he hangs onto Charlie for support.

My head turns to Declan who looks at me, my arms quickly pulling him into a hug. A sigh of relief leaves my lips as I burry my head into his chest. Once we pull away, Declan gives my forehead a kill, keeping one arm around me.

"Let's go," Declan says, leading the way with me by his side.

Hope you like the chapter. What do you think is wrong with Anna? I have three different endings for season 2 and don't know which to do so don't be shocked if the season 2 ending chapter doesn't happen for awhile.