Chapter Text
“C’mon, you promised!” He whined, following after his friend. Milo lets out an annoyed groan at his response. “We haven’t gone out on a run in a while and the weather’s so nice tonight.” Asher said circling around his friend.
“Yeah, yeah fine just give me a bit ta tell my mate. I don’t want ‘em to think anything is wrong.” Milo said pulling out his phone beginning to text them.
“Oh! Oh! Hey David! You want to join us?” Asher asked seeing their Alpha walk past them with a few papers in hand.
“Pass, I have a lot of paperwork to finish. And I have plans.” David said as he continues passed them, “Try to stay out of sight…”
Milo’s phone pings seeing a message from their sweetheart telling them to have fun. “Alright Ash let’s get going.” He puts his phone away as Asher’s smile brightens.
“Sweet! C’mon, I can use this time to practice phasing my clothes.” Asher said as Milo chuckles,
“Hope you brought an extra pair of clothes just in case. You ripped up the last pair.” Milo teased,
“Not all of us have a mate who is an expert at phasing.” Asher nudges Milo with a wink. “Think you could ask them to give me a hand?”
“Work’s been keeping them pretty busy lately, but I’ll see if they’d be willing to give some pointers.” Milo said.
“Hell yeah!”
They head out towards the forest just outside their work office. Walking down a hidden trail making sure no one was watching the two of them until they were far enough away from any sort of street lights.
Both of them shift phasing their clothes. Asher shakes out while Milo stretches. “Man does it feel good to be back in this form.”
“It’s been way too long.” Milo glances over at Asher secretly happy it was just them going on this run. He didn’t want to have to listen to Christian or the others berate him for his size. “Where do ya wanna go?”
“Remember that clearing we found a while back with that pretty waterfall?” Asher asked.
“Not really, but I’ll let you lead.” Milo said as they both bound further into the beautifully moonlit forest running at full speed.
There was nothing more freeing than being shifted and honing into their animal instincts. Being a shifter was different than any empowered. Sure they could do the same kinds of magic but to become one with nature. Their entire body changing and all of their senses becoming heightened. It was enlightening.
---
Asher continued to lead the way almost getting lost in thought just enjoying the feeling of running. The wind through his fur. Taking in the lush scent of the forest pines and the light moisture to the air confirming it was going to rain soon. But there was something else, it was on the tip of his tongue…
He quickly comes to a stop taking Milo off guard almost running into the Wolf who was sticking his nose up into the air. “The hell are you doin?”
“You smell that?” Asher asks as Milo pauses before joining him in taking a deep whiff of the air.
“Yeah… Kind of like, metal?” Milo added taking another sniff before turning towards Asher, “That’s definitely blood...”
“Do you think we should check it out? Just in case it’s a hiker who got lost.” Asher said,
“We can take a look but we gotta stay hidden. Don’t need David getting mad at us for breaking covert.” Milo said as they begin to follow the scent.
“That was one time! And I never shifted back so technically I never broke covert.” Asher argued hearing Milo internally sigh to that comment.
They continue to follow the scent until they make it to a small cave. The strongest smell was coming from there. Both wolves give each other a look. Lowering their heads and bodies to be more stealthy as they approached.
Milo peaks into the cave seeing within was a small furry form curled up. It didn’t take him long to recognize the similar visage. “Looks like it’s just a wolf.” Milo said. Asher leans over Milo to see inside.
“That’s strange… Wait it’s not Tank is it?” Asher said.
“Too small to be Tank. Looks average sized but maybe a little thin.” Milo said.
Asher stares at the wolf as the unmistakable glow of an aura is recognized. “Milo… That’s a Shifter…”
“No shit?” Milo focuses and sees the aura. “If another pack’s tryin to creep into our territory they got another thing commin.” Milo snarls before moving into the cave before Asher could stop him.
The other wolf jumps to their feet startled by the intrusion. Instantly taking a defensive stance and growling. “Milo wait!” Asher said seeing Milo match the others growl.
“You’re messing with the wrong pack if you think you can encroach on our territory.” Milo snarled.
Now that Asher was in the cave with Milo and could better see the Shifter. Light brown fur with small patches of black on their back and tip of their tail. They didn’t respond to Milo’s threat, just continued to growl. He could see the fear in their stance. Ears folded back and low to the ground protecting their back leg that was already injured.
They looked so small compared to him and Milo, only young shifters are that small…
“Milo stop! It’s a kid!” Asher snapped getting Milo’s attention. He stops his threatening demeanor looking at the young wolf shocked. Now seeing just how scraggly they looked. That awkward growing phase teen shifters went through when they started to first shift.
“Shit! Sorry I jumped the gun there.” He said apologetically. “What are you doing out here all by yourself? Where’s your pack?”
They don’t change their response or their stance. Continuing to keep on the defensive looking at the two of them. Especially Asher and his unnatural size. They were terrified.
“I don’t think they can understand us…” Asher said, quickly shifting back and phasing his clothes. “Hey there bud. Sorry we startled you.” The young wolf’s eyes widen shocked to see the Wolf turn into a man. “Aw man I think I freaked them out more…”
He watches Milo give him a huff. The packs physic link only works while they are in their wolf forms. “Can you shift back so we can talk?” Asher holds his hands up non threateningly. He notices the young wolf’s head subtly tilt but their stance doesn’t change. “Milo, stay shifted in case they try to make a run for it. I’m gonna call David.” Asher said pulling out his phone. He may be Beta, but he definitely felt his Alpha might know a better way to calm them down, especially since they were injured. Milo nodded to his decision. They couldn’t leave them out here like this.
He dials David, waiting for an answer. “Asher…” David said with an annoyed growl. “You better have a good reason for calling me.”
“Hey bud, Sorry for interrupting your night…”
“What did you do?”
“That’s not fair! Who said we did anything wrong?” Asher whined sounding insulted.
“Because you never call me this late at night unless you want something…” David said. While they were talking, the young wolf takes a step trying to take advantage of the two being distracted by the call and slip past. But Milo catches on stepping in front of them and letting out a low growl. One they returned.
“Wait…” David said stopping his lecture to Asher hearing the growls. “Who is Milo with?”
“Well if you let me get a word in I could explain!” Asher groaned. “We found a Shifter in our territory that’s not one of ours. It’s a kid and their hurt. They also wont shift back to talk to us. Milo’s making sure they don’t try to run off but I’m not sure what to do.”
“They’re in wolf form and won’t shift back?” David asked,
“Yeah, I shifted in front of them and everything to show we’re not a threat but… David they look terrified…” Asher said looking at the little wolf who was still trying to figure a way passed Milo.
“Where are you?” David asked. Asher could hear the shift of movement on David’s side.
“A cave near that grotto with the waterfall.” Asher said starting to look around the cave. “It looks like they’ve been here for a while.”
“You’re near my place. Do you think you can get them here? I can call Marie and ask if she can meet here.” David asked.
“That’s going to be hard since they won’t shift back…” Asher rubbed the back of his neck.
“You sure it’s a young shifter, right?” David asked,
“Oh yeah, they are super scrappy looking.” Asher said hearing a huff come from the young wolf seemingly insulted by the comment.
“That means they should still have a scruff… You might have to grab them by the scruff the get them here without harming them further.” David explained,
“Are you sure?” Asher asked feeling unsure,
“You’ve done it with the young ones in our pack before. It’s the same thing. Once you have them by the scruff they won’t be able to fight it. Have Milo call his mate and see if they can meet here. We need to get them back in their human form to heal them and they’re the only one I know who can mute other’s powers.”
“On it! Thanks David. See you soon.” Asher said hanging up the phone and shifting back into wolf form.
“What’d he say?” Milo asked.
“I gotta grab them by the scruff, then we take them to David’s. Can you call your mate and have them meet us there? So we can get them out of their wolf form.” Asher said.
“I’ll help you grab ‘em and call while you get them to David’s.” Milo said as Asher nods. They both turn their attention to the young wolf.
“Alright little rascal, I know you can’t understand us just yet, but you need to come with us.” Asher said as they snap at them trying to step closer. Milo takes the opportunity to startle them making them bump against the back wall as Asher jumps them gently biting into the scruff of their neck making them let out a startled yelp.
He didn’t bite hard enough to do any harm but the moment he pulled up lifting them by the scruff their limbs curl in and they stay limp in his grip. “Nice job!” Milo congratulated, Only for both of them to feel guilty hearing the fearful whimpers come from them. “Get going, I’ll let David know you’re on your way and then call my mate.”
“See you soon!” Asher said quickly running off. Milo shifts back and takes out his phone. Texting David that Asher was on his way with the kid before calling his mate.
“Hey ya, Sweetheart. Ya weren’t sleeping were ya?” Milo asked,
“No…” He heard their sleepy grumble then the shuffle of papers. Probably fell asleep at their desk again. “What’s up? Everything okay with your run?”
“Not exactly… Can ya meet me at David’s place?” Milo asked,
“Sure, I’ll leave right away.” They said as he hears the sound of quick feet and the jingle of keys.
“One more thing sweetheart… Can you check if the department has any files on missing Shifter kids?”
---
David puts his phone away after receiving Milo’s message, opening the large gate they installed on the back of their tall fence overlooking the forest. He glanced over at his mate who was standing at the door looking at him worried. “Angel, go inside.”
“I want to help.” They said as David lets out an annoyed growl.
“Fine, but you need to keep your distance. They could be dangerous.” David said as they nod.
He turns back towards the forest hearing what sounded like whines and whimpers coming from within. He sees Asher’s wolf form carrying the young wolf. The moment they broke out of the trees and into the moonlight he could truly see just how frightened they looked.
Milo wasn’t far behind Asher, catching up to him as they enter the gated backyard. David closes the gate behind them to make sure the young wolf couldn’t escape. “Marie said she was on her way.” David said as Asher gently places the wolf down. He looks at the back leg. The wound was deep and there was a decent amount of blood.
Both Asher and Milo shift back as they see the wolf cower and back up. “Sorry little Rascal, Didn’t mean to scare you but we needed to get you somewhere safe.” Asher tried to reassure them only for them to growl at him.
“My mate’s on their way too.” Milo added glancing over at Angel and giving them a nod. “I also asked them to reach out to the department and see if any shifters are missing a kid.”
“Good thinking,” David nodded, “We’ll need them shifted back to heal that leg.” He notices his mate was staring at the smaller wolf with a sparkle in their eyes.
“Oh my gosh! They’re so cute!” Angel squeaked wanting nothing more than to come closer and comfort the poor wolf.
“Angel…” David growled, the low tone caused the young wolf to flinch to his reaction and growl back taking a defensive stance. “Please wait inside so someone can let Marie and Stealth in,”
“Fine! Only because I can grab them something to eat too!” They said dramatically returning inside. David lets out an annoyed groan pinching the bridge of his nose.
“How do we get them to calm down?” Asher asked looking at the still growling wolf. “I’ve never seen a shifter act this feral…”
“Besides Tank.” Milo interjected making Asher hold back a chuckle.
“If they want to act like a wolf, we’ll treat them like a wolf.” David said,
“You think it’ll work?” Asher asked,
“Only one way to find out…” David said as he phases his clothes before shifting into his wolf form. The young wolf’s eyes go wide seeing that he became an even larger wolf than the one that carried them here. His shoulders alone peaked above the top of the fence. He stared them down with a dominant presence.
Something within told them that the wolf in front of them was not to be messed with. And their survival instincts told them to comply. Ears pinned back as they lay to the ground placing their head down on the ground trying to become as small as possible. David lets out a huff before shifting back.
“Now that I have your attention. My name’s David Shaw. I’m the Alpha of the Shaw pack. You’re safe here, I promise you that. But you have to let us help you, alright?” David said with a soft but firm tone. The only response he gets is them shrinking more away from him.
“Think you scared the piss outta them.” Milo joked.
The back door opens as Marie and Stealth walk out along with Angel who was holding a blanket. “Great timing!” Asher said, “David used his alpha powers to scare them into calming down.”
“That’s not…” David groans, facepalming. “Whatever…” He looks at Milo’s mate. “Can you mute their powers?”
Stealth gives him a nod before stepping closer to the young wolf. They flinch at their approach but glance at David. Waiting to see if he would say anything.
“Wait!” Angel said as they step next to Stealth, draping the blanket over the wolf. “It’s cold out here.” They said patting their head. They look both confused and conflicted at the gentle touch.
“Get over here you little snot.” David reached over and helped Angel back to their feet. Never taking them roughly but still moving them away quickly with a concern to his tone.
“You worry too much.” Angel said.
Stealth kneels down and pulls at the Meridian muting the young wolf’s powers. Forcing them to shift back into a human.
Light olive skin with long ashy light brown hair and light blue eyes stared up towards all of them before looking down at their hands. They looked to be in their teens and extremely malnourished. “Easy little rascal,” Asher said trying to help ease their panicked look.
They tried to get up, but everything felt wrong. Letting out a confused and uncomfortable whine. “David what’s wrong with them?” Angel asked looking worried,
“Hang on.” Stealth quickly places their two fingers on their forehead pulsating magic into them as they slump over unconscious.
“Was that necessary Sweetheart?” Milo asked,
“I only put them to sleep. This way we can get them inside and their leg looked at without any incident.” They said.
“They’re right.” David said moving over and picking up the young kid. “Our priority is making sure their healthy. Then we figure out everything else. Angel?”
“I got it!” They rush over to open the door for him as they all head inside.
“I called the department on my way here, see if any shifter’s were reported missing.” Stealth said as they all give Marie room to begin healing their injured leg.
The wound was deep, a bite from some sort of large animal. “That’s not a wolf bite.” Asher commented. “Definitely bigger…” His phone starts to ring. “Oh shit! I forgot to call my mate!” He answers the phone walking into the kitchen. “Hey Babe!”
David ignores Asher’s comments looking back at Stealth. “Were there any?” But they shake their head.
“No one’s been reported missing… And given all of the evidence here I’m confident in believing they’re human born.” Stealth said as the energy in the room becomes heavy.
“What’s a human born?” Angel asked.
“Not all empowered are born to empowered parents. Sometimes they come from parents who never had powers. No one knows why they manifest powers, it just happens. Human born Shifters are rare…” David said.
“Why? What makes them different?” Angel asked curiously, wanting to understand.
“Where do you think the stories of werewolf’s came from?” Milo said crossing his arms feeling a little uncomfortable about the conversation. “Most human born shifters don’t survive their first shift…”
“Because they’re not taught how to?” Angel asked stepping closer to David holding onto his hand. They could feel how tense he was.
“Because their family usually kills them thinking they’re a monster…” David snarled before squeezing Angel’s hand.
“That’s… terrible…” They lean against him as he pulls them close.
“Can you try and find their family?” David asked looking at Stealth,
“I can try… If they are human born they won’t be registered with the department. So it might take some time.” They said.
“Do what you can,” David said looking at their sleeping form. He watched Marie heal them completely. Noticing there were other scars on their body. This kid had been through a lot for being so young. “Angel, can I talk to you in private?”
“Sure,” Angel said as they walk down the hall just as Asher finished his call. “Are you okay?”
“No…” He takes a deep breath, “I’m angry, that kid’s got no one… possibly seen things someone their age never should have to.”
“What do you want to do?” Angel asked,
“They’re going to need a place to stay, until we can figure out what to do…”
“Say no more! I’ll get the guest room prepped!” Angel said excitedly as they rush down the hallway.
David lets out a satisfied huff smiling at their mate before they are out of sight. Turning back towards the living room and entering the conversation. “We could take turns; you know since we all gotta work.” Asher suggested.
“Are they stable?” David asked Marie,
“They will be out for a while; I suggest they don’t shift for at least three days. Being in their wolf form for so long has side effects.” She explained,
“How long have they been shifted?” Asher asked,
“I can’t give an exact time frame but with the amount of magic going through them… at least a year… maybe two…” She said,
“Shit…” Milo said. He doesn’t have a chance to react before Marie smacks the back of his head.
“How many times have I told you to watch your mouth!” She said as he huffs rubbing the back of his head,
“Sorry ma,”
“I’ll keep an eye on them tomorrow, Ash. Can you take care of the affairs?” David asked.
“No problem boss!” Asher said giving him a thumbs up.
“Any other side effects I should know about?” David asked.
“It may take them some time to find their voice. Walking will be strange for them too. And be patient with them.”
“Thank you. All of you get some rest. I’ll be calling a pack meeting tomorrow evening to discuss them.” David said as he escorts them all to the door.
“Let us know if you need anything.” Asher said being the last one to leave. David nods before closing the door with a heavy sigh. He turns back looking at the sleeping kid on his couch.
What had he gotten himself in to?