Till Kingdom Come Ch. 02

Morning came, to early for Cian's liking. It was a red dawn. Cian knew that always predicted trouble, but still Cian had a duty to their strange mortal guest. Cian could feel it in his soul, the core of his being and he felt it in his Alpha instincts.

Cian knew he was supposed to provide moral guidance and support to his pack to but he knew they could manage on their own at least for a day. Right now it was the grievously wounded mortal woman who needed his help. Cian wanted to help the woman as soon as possible so Cian picked his dirty clothes up off the floor, smelled them (they smelled clean enough), so Cian dressed. Then Cian wearily made his way down to Dr. Potter's office. He had business to attend to. It was just to early and he'd had to late of a night to deal with life right now but he was Alpha. It was his curse. It was his burden to deal with these responsibilities.

He didn't even knock on Dr. Potter's door. He just barged right in, uninvited. He startled Dr. Potter, who was sitting at the well-worn oak table drinking coffee out of a mug which he'd had for years. The faded green mug said "World's Best Husband" written in orange script.

It had been a one year anniversary present from his wife Elsie. Despite all the years they'd been together Dr. Potter used the well worn cup every morning. What else was he supposed to drink coffee from? Dr. Potter knew coffee didn't taste right unless it was in his favorite mug. He couldn't explain it but it was true.

"By the old gods and new, you look terrible... coffee? You look like you need it... in fact I know you need it Alpha. It's my opinion as a medical professional, as your doctor I insist on it." Dr. Potter said as he passed his Alpha a steaming cup of hot coffee. It was already made the way his Alpha liked it. He'd known his Alpha for hundreds of years. They'd been best friends and confidants through thick and thin. The friends had stuck-up for one another and helped each other make vital life decisions. They were more than friends. They were brothers by a different mother. Thick as thieves.

"I'm starved to death... and I didn't get a wink of sleep." stated Cian. He blew on his coffee to cool it down. It was to hot to drink. Cian wasn't in a mood to enjoy a cup of coffee. He just wanted caffeine. It had been a long night and sleep had never arrived.

"Cian, you know I can't cook to save my life. I even mess up toast, you're going to have to wait if you want a bite to eat. But, don't worry, you won't starve. Elsie, is up at Corner Coffee, getting some doughnuts and listening to the gossip. It'll take her awhile. She's probably going to be bombarded by a million questions since the mortal spent the night here, not that the mortal woman got a wink of sleep. So Elsie will be awhile thanks to all the kerfuffle. Elsie is a good wife though... she'll get the doughnuts eventually, no matter how long she has to wait... or how many people she has to put up with." said Dr. Potter. He hoped that the freezing weather would hurry the line and wolves of Antelope Hill along. He wanted his wife, Elsie, to be home in his arms.

Cian and Henry drank their coffee and hungrily awaited breakfast. Henry briefly wondered where Elsie was, they'd been together for years and he didn't like being away from his true mate too long. The fact that the mortal had gotten into Antelope Hill caused him to worry. Elsie had suffered enough. He didn't want her to suffer more. Henry had vowed to take care of Elsie. Still, he knew she was safe in Antelope Hill for it was protected by deep magic, besides she was just up the street at Corner Coffee. What was the worst that could happen? Elsie was his beloved wife!

"So Henry... what do we know?" Cian questioned Dr. Potter. Cian needed to get down to brass tacks and discover what was going on. He hoped to the old gods and new that Henry would let him know a little about the wild-raven haired black eyed beauty who arrived at their doorstep though Dr. Potter was supposed to keep a patient's medical records secret.

Dr. Potter usually adhered to strict medical practices but this woman''s effected all of Antelope Hill. The strange beauty was an enigma. Besides, Dr. Potter should know that Cian wasn't going to do anything nefarious with the information. He was only trying to help the stranger. He was only trying to help Antelope Hill. Cian was an Alpha but he was also a gentleman. Dr. Potter knew now that the woman had arrived in Antelope Hill, Cian would treat her as a valued guest and she'd be under his personal protection.

"To tell the truth, Cian, I really don't know what the hell is going on... in fact if I'm being completely honest with you barely anything and I can't find any trace of even basic magic on her. So I'll be dammed if I know how she got in here. You and I both know that Antelope Hill should only be accessible to those who are magical but she doesn't have even a glimmer of magic. You and I... well everyone in Antelope Hill knows Elsie is a seer. That's her basic magic, always has been even as a mortal she had a bit of the sight but I can't detect anything on this peculiar woman. For better or worse, she's just normal.. your average mortal. " Henry said to Cian. He shrugged, wishing he could give his Alpha a better answer. Unfortunately, none was available. Henry was practical.

"I did find her wallet in the wreckage. It says his name is Alcana Seeker from Chicago and she's 35. She has $430.15 with her and credit cards. That's all we know." Henry took a sip of his coffee. "Oh, she's type O blood... universal donor like you. I'd like to run more scans... blood you know. Blood sustains life. It runs through us all, mortal and werewolf. It has it's own kind of magic, it carries all the history of mortal and immortal kind, in a single drop. But, she's lost so much. Poor thing... so fragile, so delicate, reminds me of my Elsie in so many ways.." stated Dr. Potter, almost as an afterthought.

He wondered if he was sharing to much medical information. He wondered if it mattered. The strange woman was here and medical stable for now but how much longer would she stay? How much longer could she stay? Dr. Potter was fairly confident that the woman was only a mortal and Antelope Hill was a place for supernatural beings. Still, he would need to take a closer look at her blood, this mortal woman was nothing but an enigma.

"Henry, I get that you're looking out for Antelope Hill first and only telling me what I probably need to know. But you haven't told me how she is! How is SHE? You said she wasn't magical in any way. Do we need to get her to a hospital for mortals? I mean, no offense Henry, you're a great doctor but you're used to treating magical creatures. So what about her? Do we need to do anything else... something more for her?" Cian questioned, as desperation and perhaps a bit of angry concern percolated his voice.

Dr. Potter was used to calming hysterical people. Werewolves had dual natures after all and sometimes they couldn't contain their animalistic side.

"Calm down Alpha, take a deep breath, I said I couldn't find any BASIC trace of magic on her. I only ran a simple scan. Didn't want to take any more blood from Alcana than I should since she's so sick. She's already lost a lot of blood. We don't need to take her to a mortal hospital. She'll be fine here. Sure, it'll challenge my medical skills BUT it will be different than my usual routine... of patching up pups after they have a tussle. Sure I'm older now but I'm up for a challenge BESIDES I have my Elsie to help me. She was a mortal once and she's a first rate nurse. She would have gone to medical school except the ignorant bastards who ran the medical schools didn't let women be doctors back then." said Henry.

Yes, it had been many eons ago that he and Elsie had fallen in love. He'd thought about sending Elsie off into the mortal world for medical school. Since neither of them aged, well when it came to how they looked as mortals. They could take medical school again together; but Elsie didn't want to be away from her wolf pack. Now they were like a second family. She belonged in Antelope Hill. Elsie didn't want to leave her home in Antelope Hill and she wouldn't leave Henry. She wanted to be snuggled in tight next to her werewolf husband every night.

"Well... if you need more blood for transfusions or whatever... or you know anything... let me know. She's our guest and well... we really have no choice other than to look after her." said Cian. He said it with certainty in his voice but in reality Cian was far from certain. Questions and worries existed in his mind. Cian couldn't stop running his hands through his hair in frustration.

How had this frail mortal woman broken passed the magical barriers that protected Antelope Hill? The last report on the magic had said it was strong---still he would send a team to investigate---his best people would get right on it and Cian cursed himself for not sending scouts out last night to check the protective magical barriers. Who knew what other dangers could have come into Antelope Hill?

Sending scouts out was a basic thing to do; mistakes like that are why the Council of Elders still considered him a "young Alpha". Antelope Hill and its magic needed to be protected from the outside world. Cian wondered if he was too much of a young Alpha to do that, perhaps Antelope Hill needed someone stronger. After all, Cian really didn't want the job. It had just been thrust upon him after the old Alpha had passed away. Someone had to be Alpha after all, werewolves needed guidance because of their dual nature.

The previous Alpha had said Cian showed "strength of character" and "moral fiber"---so the Council of Elders had given Cian the job, even though they were reluctant. By the time he'd taken it, he'd already realized he didn't want it no matter what the perks were. It was a very lonely position and Cian felt cut off from his pack--an island onto himself. Cian just wanted some one to come home to. Some one to be with. Was that to much to ask from the universe?

A knock came at the door; startling Cian who was lost in deep thoughts. A young man strode through as if he owned the place. "She up yet, Doc?" he questioned. The man strode in and walked about Dr. Potter's kitchen lackadaisical, as if he owned it.

"NO, now get out of here and for the love of all things holy! Please be quiet. Take your shoes off and don't stomp all over the floor, dragging in all that unsanitary mud. Elsie will have a fit! You messed up her clean kitchen! I said I'd call you when she was awake and ready to talk. I'll call you as soon as that happens. The Alpha and I are having a private talk. For the last time, You're NOT welcome." stated Dr. Potter firmly. It was apparent to Cian that Henry was annoyed with this man and trying to dismiss him.

"Who's that?" Cian questioned. He knew all his pack members but couldn't recall seeing this one before. Cian knew he was a werewolf since he smelled like one. Magic barriers were down though and everything was in flux. So Cian was asking questions, and taking names he supposed.

"Ash... he's one of the pups the council has sent here to find a true mate. He seems to think Alcana here is his true mate... won't leave her alone. Not for a single second. It really upsets me because she needs her rest, after all the car accident only happened last night. Alcana is stable but I'd like her to rest and not be stressed. I had Elsie give him the business, you know how good she is at getting rid of people. I even told Ash how rare true mate are among mortals and werewolves. Finally, Elsie and I physically tossed him out... guess Ash must have seen Elsie up at the Corner Cafe and taken advantage of the fact, she's not here to kick him to the curb. No matter how hard I try Ash just doesn't get the message." Dr. Potter shook his head. If Alcana wasn't sick, part of him would admire Ash's tenacity but now Henry's first responsibility was to get Alcana better. He was her doctor after all, even if she was a mortal.

Alcana moaned and twisted in her medicated sleep but didn't wake. She was still in pain, dreaming troubled and restless dreams.

"Cian, the main thing is she needs rest. There's nothing else we can do. Rome wasn't built in a day... she'll get better. I've set her arms and tended to her wounds. Rest, is what she needs" said Dr. Potter.

Cian nodded. He thought he understood but wished he could do more. Both mortals and wolves, needed rest to get better. No matter how skilled the doctor. Dr. Potter was skilled in treating wolves; lord knows he'd been treating them for hundreds of years, since the pack had first reached the American prairies BUT his care for mortals needed work. So even thought he knew it might offend Henry, taking Alcana to the mortal world for medical care was on his mind.

The door to the office opened. A middle aged woman stood there and brushed snow flakes off her shoulders. Her long black hair reached her waist and was mingled with a silver gray."MY that was a long wait and it seemed like everyone at Corner Cafe wanted to ask me the same questions, stupid questions, questions that are frankly none of their business. Personally, I think everyone should just keep their questions to themselves and leave this poor woman alone. The doughnuts are here." said the woman as she placed a pink box of them on the table.

Henry took a crueller doughnut from the pink box and Cian ate one with orange and black sprinkles. He was the Alpha but still ate like a child. Cian always gobbled down sugar. He'd put four packs of sugar in his coffee much to Dr. Potter's discontent and disapproval. It was unhealthy. Cian had no one to look after him. Cian needed someone to look after him, Cian had been on his own for far too long.

"These are delicious as always. You're the best wife a man could ask for, Elsie" said Henry, as he kissed Elsie on the cheek. She laughed and kissed him back. The true mates had met years ago when Henry was interning at Wyoming General Hospital. He loved her SO. Elsie was his entire world. He couldn't imagine his life without Elsie.

Elsie was once a mere-mortal and but the fact that she was a mortal had caused contention, worry and resentment amongst the pack. Fenir, the previous Alpha, had nearly kicked Henry out for it BUT the lovers had held firm in their love and devotion for one another. Ultimately, it had been Cian who had seen the snow-white purity of their love and stood up for them. Fenir was impressed with Cian's tenacity and let Elsie and Henry be a couple. After years of struggle, they both had Fenir s blessing and permission to wed

Now nearly a hundred years later, they were still together and as happy as ever. True mates! Cian couldn't imagine them apart. Elsie was now accepted by the pack and many young wolf couples aspired to have the purity of love that Henry and Elsie had! She was a beautiful silver wolf when she morphed. Henry said her fur was made of moonlight!

"Elsie, thanks for the doughnuts you really are great. So tell me the 411." asked Cian. He was the Alpha and had been the Alpha for years now BUT he only got the job because the Council of Elders decided he'd be the best one for it on the recommendations of his old Alpha.

Cian didn't like enforcing the traditional rules. According to them he was supposed to have banished Elsie and Henry; still he'd seen their true love and let them be true mates, instead of casting them aside. Ancient laws be dammed! The Council of Elders hadn't liked that much. It was his first big decision as Alpha too. Still, he'd held firm and in the end, the council had accepted his choice.

"Oh you know how everyone gossips. The main question is how did she get here and what are we going to do? They're VERY worried, Cian... everyone likes it here. We've gotten into a nice routine and don't want to leave. People want to make sure the magic is safe. You know the stories of how the pack had to flee to America from Europe SO long ago." said Elsie, as she poured herself a cup of coffee and added milk. She grabbed herself a doughnut too and put her feet up on the table.

A knock came at the door and Alcana stirred restlessly in her sleep.

"Ash, isn't back is he? I wish he'd leave this poor woman alone! He was bothering her all last night--she needs rest." Elsie bemoaned as Ash tried to enter the doctor's office again. Elsie briskly and quickly turned him out. "For the last time fuck off, Alcana is still resting. She needs to get better." yelled Elsie. Then she locked the door and pulled down the window shade, so Ash didn't storm in.

Dr. Potter laughed. "Well, Elsie gave him a piece of her mind that time. As Antelope Hill's doctor, I have to be polite and courteous--fair and balanced. I have to consider feelings. Elsie just speaks her mind and tells everyone what she thinks. I'd almost feel sorry for Ash, if he hadn't been bothering Alcana all night. Now Cian, don't listen to any of his bitching that she may be his true mate---if that were really so he'd let her rest. Sleep is what she needs. Her femur bone is set in a sturdy cast, the bleeding has stopped and she's all patched up."

Dr. Potter and Elsie exchanged a look. There were other things too. The couple felt bad for keeping secrets from their Alpha but they wanted to wait. When Alcana woke up, they had serious questions to ask. She was safe protected by the wolf pack but they were worried about her past. After all, they knew next to nothing about her. Dr. Potter and Elsie were worried about her safety but also about the safety of Antelope Hill for it was their home.

"Well Henry and Elsie I've taken up enough of your time. I best be going too. Remember if she needs anything, even if we have to go into Cheyenne to get it... let me know." said Cian. He glanced at the restless Alcana again. He wanted to know her story. He wanted her to get better. Still, his pack had questions and as Alpha, Cian had to solve these problems. There was no time to dilly-dally. Now was the time to take care of his pack.

Fifteen minutes later, Cian found himself at town hall speaking to his pack. He could tell they were nervous.

"I want everyone to remain calm. The mortal woman's name is Alcana. She's resting and Dr. Potter will help her get better. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the magic that protects Antelope Hill BUT I want volunteers for patrols along the border. You'll need to partner up. I don't want anyone going out there alone. Nothing should be wrong but something could be wrong. We want to make sure, we're all safe. We'll be doing regular patrols until we can find out more information from Alcana and of course The Council of Elders will be informed." stated Cian.

Then he sent one of his ravens with a message to tell the Council of Elders. Sure, Antelope Hill had modern technology like email and phones BUT they could be hacked. Mortals could find out about the pack and all supernatural creatures. The black ravens would guard the message. Ravens had delivered messages for wolves since before the moon had arrived at Earth. So Cian sent the message with the ravens. Come hell or high water, they'd get through. He knew it was safe with them. The ravens would protect the message with their very lives, the ravens had always done this for the wolves.

The usual people volunteered for the mission to protect Antelope Hill's borders. Cian sent them out to patrol the borders and look for breaks in the magic. They didn't need guns or weapons. They were in wolf form and would deal with any potential problems as wolves. Wolves roamed free in the wilds of Wyoming SO the town could keep its secret and no mortals would find out Antelope Hill existed.

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