Leanna said goodbye to Braydon and paused outside her front door. It seemed too quiet considering the chaos she knew would be waiting inside. The first thing she heard was her mother yelling, followed by her dad trying to calm her down. Nate gave her a wave from the front room as she passed and rather than hang around downstairs, Leanna went straight to her bedroom. She hadn't even managed to close the door when the last person she wanted to see appeared in the doorway, and dropping her bag beside her desk, she turned to glare at him.

"What do you want?"

"Nothing, just came to see if you're okay. Did Braydon tell you about Dean?" He asked casually, daring to step foot into her room. "It's not good. Mum is a warpath, those fuckers don't know what they've started by hurting one of ours."

"Seems they're not the only ones. Get out Caleb." Leanna gave him a slight push towards the door only he didn't budge.

"What is your problem?"

"You." She growled, trying a little harder to move him this time with the same result. "Get. Out!"

"Not until you tell me what's going on!" He snapped back, confused as to why she was so upset with him. That was until he caught a whiff of May's scent on her. "What did she tell you?"

"Nothing."

"Well obviously she said something to get you mad at me!" Caleb argued, his stomach sinking at the prospect of his sister knowing what happened.

"She didn't have to say anything about what happened between you two. The fact she has become non-existent in our lives was a big enough hint. She said you've sorted it out now, that's all, but she forgets how well I know her. I don't know what you did, but you hurt her and that's not okay!"

"You have no idea what you're talking about and you have no right to get all angry at me!"

"Just because I'm younger than you, doesn't mean I'm an idiot. Let me guess how it went. You two finally worked out you were something more than friends, then when she didn't change, you got on your high horse and acted like a total jerk over it. Of course, not shifting would  be devastating enough for her, but you just had to kick her when she was down and do whatever it was you did. Am I right?" She was shouting now, her finger poking him hard in the chest and as Caleb stayed silent, Leanna knew she was right. "I'm embarrassed to call you my brother, now get out."

"Lee, it isn't-" Caleb stuttered.

"Out!" She ordered, and as he stumbled backwards, she slammed her door in his face.

Leanna waited until his footsteps went down the stairs before taking a breath. She hadn't wanted to say anything to May last night because of Tiffany being there, and because she could knew how May felt. Her pain had been hard to ignore, the smell of it sickening to Leanna only it wasn't as bad as the embarrassment. How had her dad not noticed, though maybe he had. She remembered hearing her Mum talking to him and Miranda; just bits of overheard conversation as they tried to work out what to do to help their daughter. Leanna hadn't really thought too much of it before, more annoyed at how her friend seemed to have suddenly decided to end their friendship. She was wrong just now with Caleb, she was an idiot. Groaning, Leanna fell onto her bed and buried her head into her pillow.

"Hey, what's going on?" Nate closed her door behind him and moved to sit beside her on the bed. "Between you and Mum, there has been way too much yelling in this house today."

"Caleb is an asshole."

"Yeah he is. It's my fault, I took all the awesome genes."

"Do you know what happened with him and May?" She asked, sitting up beside him.

"No, but it's kind of obvious isn't it. She didn't shift."

"Does it bother you?"

"Not at all. You?" Nate asked.

"Of course not! Why is it such a big thing for him?"

"I don't know." He sighed and before he could say anything else, they both stopped at the sound of their names being called from downstairs. "Come on, sounds important."

The family gathered around the dining table, and instantly Bianca noticed the tension amongst her children. Looking at Leanna, she quickly looked away - unwilling to meet her mother's gaze and since Caleb sat on the opposite end of the table, not looking at anything other than his phone, it wasn't hard to work out where the problem was coming from.

"We just found out Dean has passed." Cody told them, holding Bianca's hand as thoughts of her kids left her at the reminder of the bigger issue they had to deal with at the moment. "We are enforcing a lockdown. No one goes anywhere unsupervised, even you boys."

What was said registered with the twins and instantly Caleb protested. "We're not kids, you can't make us-"

"We can and we are." Bianca growled. "Dean was not a teen. He was an alpha, a strong, brave man and he knew how to look after himself. Do you really think you can do better than he did against these monsters? He is the only one so far to be found after being taken. That alone shows how strong he is!"

Leanna couldn't stop herself from crying. The sense of loss would be felt through the pack for a while to come, as all the missing shifters were only it was more than that. She worried for her parents getting involved, for her friends and brothers - all shifters and now all with targets on their back. It was real and they were at these Hunters mercy. Dean had always had her respect, she had heard stories and saw the relationship he had with her parents. She cried for him too. Bianca got up and went to her daughter, hugging her tightly as a few tears ran down her own cheeks. The sight of their mother crying startled all of them and Caleb didn't dare argue back now.

"I want you all safe. I am talking to you as your mother, and as your alpha." Bianca stated, hating to make the clarification as she met his gaze.

She could see it in her sons eyes though, a stubborn defiance to go against her. Deep within her wolf urged her to teach him his place, a reminder that they really were more than human and the instincts to protect not just her family, but her pack were overwhelming right now. Bianca kissed the top of Leanna's head, stroking her dark hair as she tried to reassure her that she was safe, but her worry stayed on her son.

"Do you understand Caleb?" Cody asked, watching his son closely.

"Yes." He answered simply, finally lowering his gaze in submission.

"I need to make some calls and whatever is happening between you all stops now. It is not the time to be fighting with each other." Bianca ordered, glancing at all of her children.

"Yes Mum." They all dutifully answered, only the second their parents were gone the look Leanna gave Caleb made it clear it wasn't over just yet.

"Leanna, you-"

"I don't want to hear it Caleb!" Her wrist vibrated and looking at her watch, she clicked the message from May to find a picture of her and Josh on their walk, though the wish you were here sent with it was clearly a joke. "But you know what, I also don't care. May said you two have sorted it out, so let's just leave it at that and when you realise the mistake you made, do not come to me to help you fix it."

The smirk on her face after looking at the screen set Caleb on edge. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Guess you'll have to work that out on your own."

"Leanna!" Caleb called as she went back up to her room. "Leanna!"

"Bro, let her go. You really pissed her off before, just be thankful she didn't tell mum and dad!" Nate slapped Caleb on the back as he passed, with Harry dutifully following behind him.

"What did Caleb do? Why am I always the last to know?" He whined.

"Because you're the youngest and it's just how it is." Nate teased.

"So, I'm not a kid anymore. I'm thirteen!" Harry argued, daring to try tackling his brother.

Nate fell, not expecting it and as the pair began to wrestle, Caleb rolled his eyes and went to split them up. Instead, Harry cushion from the lounge and hit him with it - twice.

"Oh, I wouldn't do that ag-" Caleb didn't get to finish as he hit him again and before long, he had his brother pinned down while Nate tickled Harry's feet.

Later in the afternoon Caleb decided to go for a run. Everything was annoying in him, and he decided it was because Leanna was mad at him. She acted normal now, but the judgement in her eyes said more than her words. He had to get away, just for a little bit.

'Go see her.'

The voice in his mind dominated his thoughts. No, that wasn't completely true. May was all he was thinking about, and because of that, his wolf decided to annoy him with it too. He could go and see her; they could get into an argument. Maybe she could even tell him how much she hated him too, that she had been wrong about him all along and that he really was an asshole.

'Bet she doesn't hate you, as much as you hate you.'

Caleb growled. He and May had been friends, best friends. The love they had for one another wasn't supposed to go further than that. It had been good, great - for years right up until the time came for her change. She'd been so scared, and so take her mind of it, the pair of them had snuck out the night before it was due. He had wanted to prepare her for everything, the pain, the ritual, the freedom that came afterwards. He shifted for her, twice, trying to make it seem as easy as it was once the first time was over. Yet despite everything, she still hadn't been able to lose her fear of going through it.

They sat on the picnic blanket under the stars, talking as they always did and the smell of her fear made his chest ache. It started simply enough, he held her hand. He had before, it wasn't anything new. May had rolled onto her side and hugged him. He had hugged her back too; again nothing new. She was upset and all he wanted to do was make her feel better. There wasn't anything to fear, he would be with her every step of the way and make sure she survived the change - even his wolf agreed. For the millionth time he walked through what was going to happen the following night, finishing with how great it was going to be to be able run together in their wolf forms.

It all went wrong the second she looked up at him. The eerie silver light of the moon made her blonde hair shine, and those blue eyes seemed to look right through to his soul as she watched him. Never had he seen anyone so beautiful. He'd told her she was, many times, but he never really meant it as much as he did then. May looked otherworldly, like an angel sent from heaven just for him. She licked her lips and his heart skipped a beat.

"You promise you'll be there, that you won't leave me?" She almost begged.

"Yes June, there is nothing that could keep me away!" He smiled and holding up his pinky finger, she linked hers with it. "I promise."

Caleb wasn't sure what happened next. Did May move first, or had he - either way, they ended up kissing. He'd never admit to anyone, except perhaps May, that it had been pretty damn perfect. There wasn't any awkwardness or hesitation. It just happened, almost as if it was something they had done a hundred times before.

"Hello? Caleb? You there?" Nate came into focus, his hand waving in front of Caleb's eyes. "You totally spaced out then. You okay?"

"Yeah. I'm just going for a run."

"What about what-"

"I'm not going far. It'll literally be around the block a few times. Come with if you want." He offered.

"Na, all good. I'm going to help Leanna with her homework, just saw you sitting there all, weird."

Caleb waved him away, and went to go out into the backyard, yet the sound of his dad talking made him stop. He didn't think he'd try to stop him from going, it was just that he had heard May's name being mentioned and couldn't help eavesdropping.

"I dread the day Leanna starts to bring boys home." Cody laughed, yet it sounded forced. "Maybe this lockdown can last for about the next, ten or so years. I don't envy you Braydon, but May is a good kid and- yeah, I know. You can laugh at me when it starts. What did Andy say?"

It took Caleb two seconds to put the conversation together, and his growl started Cody who hadn't sensed his presence.

"I'll ah, talk to you later. Good luck." Turning to his son, Cody frowned. "You okay?"

No. "Yeah. I'm just going around the block. I need to get out of this house for a bit."

"I'm coming with you."

"You don't have to." He argued.

"How about we go for a real run, I could get out of here for a bit too."

It was a tempting offer. "Fine. Keep up old man."

Cody only growled in response and followed Caleb to the back fence. They easily jumped over, and followed the footpath down to where the forest shadowed suburbia. With no one around, they were free to change and sure enough minutes later, two wolves took off into the forest

______________

May sat next to Josh, completely at ease. The pair had stopped at the lookout, staring off into the clearing where the campgrounds were located. Leaning back on her hands, May took in the fresh air and sunshine, loving being outdoors. There was a good ache in her legs, the trail they had gone on was not for novices, and she was impressed that Josh had taken it all in his stride. The lunch she had made them was gone and settling on his back pack, Josh moved to lay beside her now.

"You're so lucky to live where you do. I would never be home with this in my backyard." He sighed wearily, before yawning loudly.

"Yeah, it's pretty great. We used to have some awesome games of hide and seek when I was kid." She smiled at the memories of tree climbing and trying to outsmart Chad in his wolf form. Having his sense of smell was definitely an unfair advantage with that game. "My dad loves the outdoors, we were always out here. I think I know this place better than my own house!"

"Your dad sounds awesome."

"He is." May closed her eyes and listened. She felt nothing, and was glad he and Chad had backed off. "I'm sure your dad has his moments too."

"Nah. He's always been really strict. I'm expected to follow in his footsteps, you know. Nevermind that I don't want to do what he does. I have my own plans, but nothing will ever be good enough. The divorce is probably the best thing to have happened, they both seem to remember that I'm an actual, living thing now." He answered bitterly.

Without thinking May reached out and touched his hand where it rested on his chest. "I'm sorry you're parents are like that. I couldn't imagine living that way."

"You said before your family is close?"

"Yeah. My dad doesn't have any family, he lost them when he was younger. Mum has too much family, so it works out well for them. My great grandma said she knew from the first time she met my dad that he was the one for my mum. They all knew it before she did apparently."

"I wish I had that. I don't get to see my grandparents, they live in Ireland somewhere. Or at least I think they do. It's hard to believe much of what my dad says."

May frowned as she realised nearly all of what Josh said about his parents today was done so in the same bitter, angry tone. For someone who claimed the divorce was a good thing, he seemed caught up on something.

"Everything okay?"

Josh looked up at her and this time took her hand in his. Their fingers entwined, sending a rush of butterflies around May's stomach. "Yeah it is. Sorry, I just. I hate them sometimes."

She gently squeezed his hand back. "You do know they love you though, right?"

"I guess. Let's not talk about them." He let her hand go and sat up, going through his bag. He soon pulled out a flask and two cups. "Thirsty?"

"Sure." May could smell something sweet and hesitantly took the cup he offered to her. "What is it?"

"Coconut water and watermelon. I love it." He took a sip and so did May.

"Oh, that's good!" The flask had kept it cold and on the warm day, it was perfect.

"My mum got me addicted, she always has a jug of it in the fridge. She may add vodka to hers every chance she gets, but it's good just like this." Josh watched as May drank some more, and put the flash away. Once they finished, they stayed there a little longer, just looking up at the blue sky and trying to find things in the clouds. "How are you feeling?"

"Good. You?"

"Great. Should we keep walking then or do you need a little bit more of a rest?"

May smirked. She may not be wolf, but she had the energy of one. "Oh Josh, try to keep up!"

She got up and slipped on her back, as he did the same. Without waiting for him to fix his shoelace, she started walking and before long he had caught up. May knew that as the afternoon moved towards twilight, her parents would want her home and so took the long way back to her house. Josh was tired, it was obvious to May as he started to drag his feet a little and despite the temperature cooling down, he only seemed to be getting hotter.

"So, need a break Josh?" May teased as they stopped on the front verandah.

"You do this what, all the time? Give me a couple of weeks, I'm sure I'll get better." He grinned.

It was then the front door opened and May held her breath as she expected her dad to appear. Instead it was Miranda, and she glanced between the pair with a tiny smile.

"How was it?"

"Great! Mum, this is Josh. Josh, this is my Mum, Miranda." May finally introduced.

"Nice to meet you Mrs Winters." He quickly wiped his hand on his shirt before offering it to her.

"Miranda is fine, thanks Josh." She gave his hand a quick shake. "Have fun?"

"Oh, Josh, can Mum try some of that water you had? It's the best!" May slipped off her boots and left them by the door.

"Of course." Josh quickly got out the flask, and offered it to Miranda.

"Come in, shoes by the door. I don't want all that dirt in the house."

The duo quickly followed her inside and once in the kitchen, she set out three small classes on the counter. There was only enough left for two.

"You guys have it, I always drink it at home." Josh offered.

"This is good!" Miranda agreed as she finished hers. "So simple, but so good!"

"Um, Mum. Where is Dad?" May finally asked, not sensing Braydon in the house.

"With Chad. He'll be back after dinner." May sighed, clearly relieved. "Why?"

"She's scared of introducing us." Josh teased, making May go bright red.

"Well Josh, would you like to stay for dinner? Maybe he will be home earlier and-"

"Mum!" May groaned.

"Thank you, but I should get home." Josh winked at May, making her go even redder as he collected his flask. "Nice to meet you, Miranda."

"Likewise!" She left the pair alone and slowly they started towards the front door.

"Your house is awesome. It feels like a real home." He cringed. "I just mean, it has a nice feel about it."

"I get it. Thanks, are you sure you don't want to stay?" She offered.

"Nah, I really do have to go. I'll talk to you later though?"

May nodded and catching her completely off guard, Josh leant in and kissed her cheek before slipping his boots back on. She stayed there watching after him as he headed down the street just as a bus appeared at the end of the road. May didn't move as her mother came to stand behind her.

"He seems nice."

"Yeah, he is." May answered happily, looking up at her. "I really like him."

"Come inside, it's getting dark and we need to talk." Miranda rested her hands on her shoulders and turned her around into the house, the serious tone making May nervous.

Despite that, they only got a few steps in when May paused and only one thing occupied her mind now. "Caleb."

"Pardon?"

"Ah, I left something outside." May went back out and shut the door behind her, looking out towards the trees that now seemed so dark and eerie.

Nothing moved. No birds chirped, the neighbours all quiet and from inside, May could hear Miranda using the microwave. Goosebumps broke out all over her arms as she waited, positive she sensed Caleb nearby though why she suddenly cared was beyond her. Plus the likelihood of him being here was non-existent, which made the whole situation feel even more ridiculous. It was then her dad's car turned onto the street and May stayed out there to wait for him. He smiled as he saw her, and getting out of the car he paused to sniff the breeze before walking over.

"Hey princess. Have a good day?"

"Thanks for the escort." She mumbled.

"Well, you never know when there might be a bear in the woods. I couldn't just let you go off on your own could I?"

"A bear? Really Dad?"

"Hey, ask your mother. It happens!" He put an arm over her shoulders and led her inside, yet as May went in, he paused to look towards the trees. Cody and Caleb's scent was strong, but they weren't around anymore. Braydon decided to give them a call just to check in, but if anything was glad they had been by the house when he wasn't - especially during times like this.

"Dad? What is it?"

"Nothing. Thought I heard something. So, what is your mother cooking for dinner tonight?" He asked hesitantly.

"Just one of those vegetarian dishes she loves so much." May teased, enjoying the look of pure horror on his face.

Just like that, thoughts of Caleb vanished. May thought only of the great day she had with Josh while never being more thankful she had her parents and not his.

"What did you want to talk about before Mum?" May asked as she helped serve up the meatloaf for dinner. Miranda didn't answer, waiting for Braydon to get off the phone as they all sat at the table.

"Alpha Dean has passed, May." Braydon spoke, and May's stomach sunk. "We have all been asked to limit travel, especially after dark. It isn't safe."

"Will that help though?"

"We hope so." Miranda sighed, looking exhausted.

"Dean spoke to Bianca before he-" Braydon coughed, clearly his throat. "Before he died. He was ambushed. He didn't know where they came from, but they took him down quick. Should I?"

Miranda frowned. "No."

"Yes!" May protested, hating the look they shared before Braydon nodded.

"They, did things to him. He woke up, not too far from where he was found and well, they'd taken a lot of blood. Not only that, they were, um, operating on him." He went quiet.

"What?" May didn't understand.

"They had a facility of some kind and we found out the reason why he wasn't getting better was because they had removed some of his organs. There was no saving him. How he even got out, and managed to get away is a miracle. He said someone helped him, but they caught her first." Miranda said what Braydon couldn't.

May didn't want her dinner anymore. None of them did. "What happens now?"

"We're going to do everything we can to stop them. Using what info Dean managed to tell us, Bianca is gathering a small group to check it out." Braydon sighed.

"Dad, you're not- you're not going with them are you?" May stood up, prepared to do anything to stop him.

"No. Of course not, Bianca isn't either. We're not as young as we used to be and well, we have more to consider than pack. You two come first for me." He promised.

Miranda wiped a few tears from her eyes, and took a gulp of the wine. May wished she would be allowed to do the same and looking between the pair of them, something else occurred to her then.

"Where's Chad?"

"At home." Braydon looked away from her.

"Dad."

"I may have, given him something to make sure he could sleep off that idea. He is my family too."

May almost cried then, relief taking over.

"We won't know anything until morning." He told her.

Nodding, May wasn't sure what to think anymore. "Okay. I'm just going up to my room."

They let her go and May had never felt so conflicted and moving to sit by her window, she looked out into the backyard, soon unable to shake the feeling of being watched. It wasn't long until something moved in the shadows down the back and before she could scream or call to her parents, the familiar wolf took shape; Caleb. Shaking her head, May closed the curtains and left it for her father to deal with.