Chapter 39: Growing Pains
“Grand Hunter.”
Mi’low caught him as they were about to leave the workshop to check up on the others. He had just sent Sahari to test a few of the workers to see how they’ll handle the new methods of doing things when the High Huntress interjected. Harrow glanced at him, likely nervous regarding Pan’s declaration of him to be accompanied by an armed guard at all times until the pack was sure of the new group’s intentions, but he simply nodded his assent for the interaction. A small uncomfortable feeling roused from needing to give permission for someone to talk to him, though.
“What can i do for you?” He offered in a voice far more chipper than he was feeling. Between the sweat waking him up and the occasional reapplication of painkillers being required, he was far from well rested. He salivated slightly as he remembered the taste of his energy drink of choice, a notion reciprocated by his brain demanding more of it.
“I would like a meeting with you and the Paw. Tonight if possible.” The red-furred Lilhun requested, glancing at the translating Harrow to confirm that she got the subtext. Even if she didn’t, Joseph did.
“Alone, i take it.”
Mi’low confirmed with a sharp nod. He breathed out slowly as he considered it, his eyes scanning the female for anything working beyond the surface.
Pan would likely feel at ease if it was herself guarding him, as much as he would rather not put any of his family in danger to begin with. After a moment, he conceded, placing a little faith in the actress and the ‘conversation’ they had with their fight. “Alright. I’ll bring it up with her and we can arrange it.”
“My deepest gratitude.” She bowed lightly before leaving Joseph with his translator.
“Any idea what’s so important that she wants to discuss something with just you two?” Harrow asked, her paws fidgeted with her tablet as she reviewed the information jotted down onto it.
He held a lingering gaze at the door Mi’low had left from, slowly moving his eyes from it to shrug. “No clue. I’m not too worried anyway.”
“No?”
“Nah,” He stretched his bandaged arm, feeling the stiff scabs forming underneath as it healed. “Doubt it would be to ambush me or anything. Though if she did, I’d lose.”
The remark caused Harrow’s expression to falter into shock. “Really?”
“Fists are great for disabling opponents, but claws excel at killing them. I could press some submissions or go for joint locks here and there, but those are a bit risky when you can get stabbed to hell. Especially when I’m already injured. A lot easier to shrug off a punch than it is to ignore blood loss.” He held his arm up as an example. Harrow nodded thoughtfully as he changed topics. “Go meet up with Sahari, she should be ready to head out now.”
“Are you sure you should be alone?”
He waved her off casually. “I’ll be meeting up with the others. Doesn’t send the right message if I’m constantly under guard anyway. Makes me seem unapproachable and nervous.”
She glared at him for a moment, unhappy with the decision but willing to see his logic as she left ahead of him. This is why he liked Harrow. Always able to see reason to his actions. Even if she did lay the facetious flirting on a little too thick. Shaking his head to dislodge the normalcy of such advances the pack has instilled into him, he left the workshop and headed to the hub.
He met back up with Pan and Jax outside the base, the two had overseen inventory of the contents in the wagon while Nalah was talking to the two construction workers Joseph had sent her way as soon as they left the interview. The comparison drew between the two he approached was a striking one, Pan resting a clean two feet shorter than her escort, her pristine white fur blending with the snow below her while the male’s black contrasted sharply. Pan held a tablet, much the same as the one Harrow used, while Jax stood as a bodyguard, his spear in hand and an oversized bow slung over his shoulder by the string.
“Survey says?” The Grand Hunter prompted, sparing a glance at the scribbles that were completely indecipherable. Pan smiled at him, flicking her tail as she started giving him an abridged list of items that they may find useful.
“They have brought a few things of note. Several pelts of varying quality, though i believe a few of those, at least, should be used to make them more suitable clothing as soon as we can. They have a few pouches of seeds and the like from their farm that i was advised to bring into the den for storage due to the cold. Some miscellaneous items and a few possessions that are not of consequence. Two knifes from the ship that some second-years had on-paw during their evacuation, though one has since broken.”
Pan stopped and placed the quill to her lips as she considered something.
“The members i spoke with have requested that the knife remain with their pack for processing animals that they hunt. I accepted since we are hardly short of blade with Mama helping Tel when the edge is needed.”
Joseph only entertained the thought for a moment before dismissing it with a chuckle. “Yeah, that’s fine. Not like a knife is going to be more effective against us than their claws or a simple spear if they want to start a coup. Besides, it would send the wrong message if we refused to arm them period.”
“You are not guarded by Sahari?” Jax questioned, peering around to presumably find his missing escort.
Joseph shrugged, both to dismiss the planning in the back of his mind and in response to the query. “I got her and Harrow to take a few of the new guys to check the snares. We have a lot of mouths to feed and, although we do have a surplus with the honey badgers, I’d rather stay well on top of food. Put them to the task and whatnot.”
The black-furred male nodded in his acceptance of the answer, but adjusted his positioning closer to Joseph.
Pan lit up for a second, her tail swaying as she spoke. “We should gather the pack for a fire to celebrate our expansion.”
“If nobody minds me napping for a bit first, yeah. Sounds like a decent enough time. Be a good chance to show them that we’re more than willing to share what we have as long as they play nice.” Joseph replied, his eyes still heavy from having to do so much despite the fact that he should be resting in bed. Sadly, he was in charge and not doing anything was not on the itinerary for today. “I’ll let Tel know to thaw out a mix so that we can roast it over the fire. Save on cooking time so that she can join in.”
Jax spoke up before Pan had the chance. “You should lock your door from now on.”
“Doesn’t that seem a bit... Paranoid?”
The Head of Security looked at him disapprovingly. “You wish to rest. Alone. Without a guard to ensure that these new entities whom, as you mentioned, we do not know of their trustworthiness yet.”
“We don’t have keys though.” He pointed out, letting his arm sway lazily as he shifted on his feet, the snow giving a soft crunch as he packed down a patch.
“Then it would make it even safer. No one could steal them.” Jax reasserted with a firm nod.
Joseph ran a hand through his hair. “Fine. Ignoring the big fuck-off window-”
“That is reinforced beyond their means to break.”
“...Fair point.” He conceded. “Minus that, i sleep in a pile of fluff and, presumably, protection. As long as no one thinks of me as a meat shield or something while they’re half-asleep.” He scratched his chin while wondering if he would be used as a defensive option should something come up at an inopportune time, the need for a fresh shave crossing his mind until he decided that it wouldn’t be an issue for a while.
“You should be with a guard at all times, Grand Hunter. Especially now that we are around those we barely know. At least until we are able to confirm their temperament.” Jax laid a paw on his shoulder while tipping his head towards Pan, his voice much quieter so that only he would hear it. “At least make an attempt to recognize your importance to us. You have been Void-bound too many times.”
Joseph took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as he met Jax’s eyes. “Alright, but I’m not locking the door. Violet would be sad if she tried to get in but couldn’t. I’ll ask if anyone wants to doze or otherwise do nothing for a few hours.”
Pan shook her head when he raised a brow at her, though her drooped ears conveyed that she would rather accept than not. “I must be present for some decisions that are being made between Nalah and the workers.”
He exhaled through his nose and fought off a heavy blink as his body protested doing much else other than sleep. “Sorry. I know it should be me taking care of all this.”
She gave him a small but proud smile. “This is what i was chosen for. Do not apologize for utilizing me as such.”
“Fine, but you’re welcome to come lay down if I’m not up by the time you’re done.” He pulled her into a weak hug and laid a soft kiss to her forehead, lifting her chin and laying a lingering second on her lips before he separated. He felt the small urge to continue it, his lack of progressing their relationship past cuddling and the occasional intimacy due to the near constant interruptions weighing on that part of his psyche. Regardless of his desires, sleep yelled the loudest. “I’ll see you later. Have fun with whatever Nalah has going on.”
Pan stood dazed for a moment before a blush worked its way through her cheeks. With an erratic sway of her tail and a nod, she and Jax offered their farewells.
The two made their way towards their next engagement as he idly entered through the hub towards the kitchen to inform Tel of the plans for tonight. The cook was, as expected, in the process of preparing cuts of badger for storage. He rapped his knuckles on the door frame to grab her attention, the grey Lilhun perking up once he breached the doorway.
“Pan thinks we should have a bonfire to celebrate taking in Mi’low and her pack. I think it’s a decent idea. Help introduce everyone in a neutral setting. Could i get you to take out a mix of meats to thaw for tonight?”
Tel thought for a moment, stepping aside to check the contents of their stores. After confirming something, she called out with her head still in the freezer, her tail high and drawing his tired eyes to her. “We should have enough of everything, though we will have to use less rock-worm since it’s harder to find under the snow. Will that suffice?”
“Yeah, that’s fine.” He replied, blushing and turning his head when Tel peeked out and caught him absently staring. A sultry grin spread across her face as she wasted no time swaying her way to him, her paw pulling his chin so he would look at her.
“Is there something... more you wish to ask of me?” She kept her voice low as she spoke, the slightly aspirated intonation sent a small shiver down his spine. He took a step back as he fought off the poor decision his weary mind tried to put forth.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
“I’m good, just need a nap.” He insisted, separating from the seductress before the twofold attack on his instinct won over reason. “If you need me, I’ll be in my room for a few hours to offset whatever my body is doing to fix itself.”
She pouted openly, at first in her exaggerated manner she used when he denied her advances and then shifting to a more genuine display of displeasure. “You should have a guard while you are about.”
He raised a brow. “Jax said the same thing.”
“Then he has said something wise.” She commented dryly. “I will be by shortly to fulfill the role as my work here will be completed soon.” Tel spun on the spot and returned to preparing the meats for the night.
Seeing that she had effectively dismissed him from her kitchen, Joseph shrugged and checked on the Atmo while he was around. Mama was working on something small, though seemed too focused for him to bother, and Violet was processing the latest of her and Pan’s attempts at replicating fabric with the local flora. The material looked fairly close to sheets of fabric he would expect modern shirts to be made of, but he couldn’t even begin to guess how they had managed it. Since both of his potential cuddle-buddies were surprisingly immersed in their tasks, he headed off to grab some sleep before he needed to address preparations for the night’s fire.
The bed looked much larger when it wasn’t occupied by five people, the initial frame would be comparable to a double bed, but now it was closer to a massive square. He took off his boots, noting their deteriorating condition with a sigh, and stripped down to just his pants. A lazy roll from the edge and a bit of practise had him almost perfectly centred.
It was colder than he was used to. Even barring the recent increase in participants, he had gotten accustomed to the body heat that he could siphon if needed. The absence of soft breaths of another left the room feeling still and desolate. He couldn’t help but shake the desire to pull Pan in close and absorb the scent of her fur. The soft give of the flesh under his fingers as he ran them through her coat and the occasional shift for her to press into him.
Hell, he missed Tel’s peppermint signature and her habit to curl at the top of the bed. The first time he had used her as a pillow, he had been half-asleep and thought it sounded like a terrific idea. A few nights spent doing that had turned it into something he kind of looked forward to. The subtle sound of her heart carrying through her body had a soothing quality to it and she had gotten into the habit of idly pawing at his back in her sleep, a gesture that calmed him further when in tandem to his bond’s proximity.
He caught himself remembering the feeling on her short fur on his face as he burrowed absently into her stomach, the quiet chuckles she had returned were filled with genuine warmth when compared to the somewhat forced expressions she portrayed usually. He never would have said otherwise before, but it felt like there was a wall that she held between herself and everyone else, cracks formed and mended over years that he had somehow peeked behind in that moment.
He closed his eyes, exhaustion taking over for a while until he was rested enough to continue his day. His hand reached out for the comfort of another that wasn’t there.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
“There and there, are areas you can put the buildings.” Nalah pointed to the locations for the proposed den and hunting lodge. Pan gave a cursory glance at the places and had to admit to herself that she didn’t see a real reason that they couldn’t build the structures wherever they wanted to, but Joseph had specified a few criteria to Nalah that she had obviously spent a lot of time working with.
The requests for personal dens was something that Pan had expected to come about after a short while staying in the communal den, otherwise known as ‘the barracks’, but the new pack had apparently grown accustomed to their own dwellings and were in a hurry to separate into their groups. The hunter’s lodge was something that Joseph was already contemplating on building himself, but due to the efficiency of keeping everything to the kitchen, and the lack of outside members to justify it, it had been delayed in favour of other projects.
She noticed some fur on her arm had become dishevelled, reaching to pat it down and wishing she was doing anything but standing here while the two sides talked about things that she either didn’t understand or were previously planned some suns ago. Her bond was not in sight and it was making her anxious, the contrived reasoning for her not following him being that the workers refused to accept their assignments without the approval of the Grand Hunter or equivalent. She patted down the fur again, frowning when it didn’t stay put.
“He is fine.” Jax’s voice was low so that the others wouldn’t hear. Pan glanced at him to her side, her eyes fixing on his weaponry. He had offered to escort her around while she attended to duties that would otherwise require Joseph’s attendance, a concession she made while coming to terms with the level of authority she had been given some time ago finally registering for her.
Before, she was mostly passing along her bond’s will to the pack. Now, she was her bond’s will, acting in place of him when he was otherwise occupied and trusted to make the same decisions as he would. The gravity of the situation made her want to curl into his warmth and escape the silent judgment.
“I know.” The Paw replied quietly. Joseph looked so tired, yet he was doing some of the more mentally taxing work of trying to figure out interpersonal relationships without seeming to be doing so, while also assigning them to the appropriate Head. All while his body flushed him with pain due to the injuries he sustained.
She had awoke with him when he reached for the pills he thought he had hidden well enough, the male consuming more than she was comfortable with under the impression that all others were asleep. He tried to pass off the pain and cautionary stress he was feeling as little more than pragmatism, but a single glance exchanged with Sahari confirmed that the bond told a more complete story of him racking himself with doubt over the whole situation. He felt responsible and vulnerable to the group who could possibly take everything from him, a fact that was reinforced by his acceptance of Mi’low’s subservience. He felt the need to exercise some level of control to comfort himself, though it did little to dwindle the cause.
Even if he didn’t feel so conflicted, his desire to assist them being at odds with his wariness, he was self destructive. He held no concerns about his well-being as long as those he was protecting remained unharmed. It was made all the more frustrating when he almost sacrificed himself to save Mi’low’s pack, his instinct and decision to defend them overriding his body that was shutting down by the minute as he bled through the wounds sustained while dealing with them.
Pan didn’t know how long it would take for her to ever truly treat Mi’low’s pack as a component of her own, the mixed feelings regarding their High Huntress leaving a disquieting emotion behind. She had injured him greatly, yet saved him before Pan could. She had threatened her kit, yet was polite when they met for the first time, the female going so far as to bow in greeting to the young Atmo. She was respectful at times yet aloof at others. Nothing about their red-furred interloper was consistent and it made her uneasy.
Nalah gave Pan a pointed look, the Paw being lost in contemplation until Jax nudged her to alert her to the request for her input. A sheepish apology and a swift summary of the agreement they had come to was met with approval and poorly disguised remarks on her condition. She simply smiled as they left, ignoring the comments about her competence and the strangeness of the alien Grand Hunter. Though she was irritated that they would speak of her mate in such a way, the remarks regarding his injuries struck true.
She couldn’t even protect her Human, relying on others to do it for her despite how viciously she pushed herself in her training and how carefully she watched his surroundings. There was always something that prevented her from standing by his side and facing the dangers that this world had to offer with him, usually her position as a Paw, since she was the only one to command those who remained when he was not around.
“Is it ready?” Nalah asked, giving a disapproving glance over her shoulder at the carpenters that had tried to claim an area that was to be later used for a different construction. Pan mentally checked over the components and tasks after reminding herself of what the Head was asking about.
“I believe the final steps should be completed before the moon, assuming my work here is completed?”
“Are you not joining your bond in his rest?” Jax shifted his bow to ease the pressure on his shoulder as he spoke. He sounded more sympathetic than judgmental, the male having grown rather close to her mate as the two traded dirty jokes and insults. Given their less-than-ideal meeting, she was comfortable with the relationship they had developed since Joseph would often seek out the behaviour as a form of stress relief. Some casual interaction with another of his sex seems to be cathartic for him.
“I believe he would enjoy this more.” Pan blushed slightly at the thought of joining him undisturbed in his bed, her thinking quickly derailing to a more passionate place for a moment.
“Then, yes. Your duties are completed here.” Nalah confirmed with a shooing motion.
“Then i will be taking my leave” She confirmed with a nod, turning to Jax to finish their arrangement as well. “You are free to speak to the members who you wish to accept under your tutelage, though i would recommend reviewing Harrow’s notes and speaking to Joseph before committing to any particular members. Thank you for accompanying me. I will be within the den should i be required before Joseph awakes.”
Jax returned the nod. “It was my duty, Huntress Pan. I will consult with my mate before i consider those for security training.”
“Ask Joseph to meet with me at some point, there was a request for a project that i think he would be interested in.” Nalah added as Pan turned to leave. The Paw gave her affirmation and made her way to the den, lingering opinions of the female brought forth.
Ignoring her somewhat surprising role as Joseph’s ‘diplomatic’ translator, Nalah has become somewhat volatile towards the Grand Hunter. As aggressive as the behaviour had been at times, it never seemed to penetrate deeper than her own personal conflicts. It was as if the blond Lilhun was holding onto a belief that was at odds with reality and her mind was fighting itself to make the two into one.
Pan herself was reminded of her own internal struggle to accept that Joseph could ever possibly return her feelings, the doubt and desire culminating into her rash decision to separate from him. It was an illogical conclusion, but at the time it felt like her mind was waging war against itself and running away was the only solution.
She traced a claw over her lips, the soft warmth of his kiss staining her stomach with yearning not entirely her own. She dismissed the urge to join him in his rest, eager to complete the project on time.
If Nalah was going through something similar, her thoughts of two origins, then perhaps Pan should talk with her to assist. If something as simple as offering an ear to her struggle could ease the tension between Joseph and the planner, then she would be happy to oblige.
She entered through the hub, placing her tablet on the desk near the back for later review, and moved to join the Atmo in the workshop. Violet excitedly showed her the progress on their fabric and after a quick confirmation that there would be enough for her to continue her project, she embraced her kit.
“You did a wonderful job, Violet.” She cooed while running her paw over the insect’s scales. Violet purred in appreciation until she started bouncing from leg to leg and pointed towards Mama, the blood-mother having been working on the last of the pieces that Pan needed.
Mama held up several small hexagon plates of ironwood, each tempered just so during everybody’s fire shifts over the past few suns so that Joseph would remain ignorant of their nature. Pan inspected the pieces, noting the precise placement of the holes and the bevel along the edges.
“This is perfect, Mama, thank you.” She bowed to the Atmo, the latter chittering for a moment before approaching her.
Pan felt confused as the large insect folded her six legs beneath her, her height when sitting still towering over the white-furred Lilhun, and rested her blades over Pan’s shoulders, pulling her in to rest their foreheads together. She felt the blades rest against her back as Mama offered soft clicks and smooth breaths over her reassuring purring. It was warm. A relaxing sensation that offset the cold outside and the worry that had taken residence within her. Unsure of the nature of the embrace, Pan stilled her paws, the gesture unlike the usual hugging that the two Atmo usually opted for.
After a few long moments of the subtle serenity, Mama released her, a soft chitter reverberating off the walls as she observed the confused female. Violet patted Pan’s shoulder, drawing her attention long enough for Violet to repeat the ritual. Pan nuzzled into the den-kit and held her close as the blades pressed gently into her spine, the thought of danger never entering her mind.
Satisfied with the display, the two Atmo left the workshop after being informed of the night’s activities by the Paw, likely to relax and prepare any arrangements required to engage with the winter air. Pan pulled a seat up to her workbench and started pulling the various pieces, leathers, and fabrics she needed to combine before the fire. With a quick confirmation that she had all the modified thread that she needed, she prepared her quills and set to work.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Peppermint was the scent drew into his olfactory as he awoke, the familiar smell easing him into consciousness.
Groggily, he turned over, the dim evening light making the task of opening his eyes fully much simpler. Tel sat at his desk, her tail idly swaying as she pawed through some of the sketches he had collected from Nalah and Harrow on future advancements.
He separated his tongue from the roof of his mouth. “Bored?”
“Anxious?” She returned, not even pausing as she inspected a concept piece for the crossbow that Harrow and him were trying to work out. He grunted as he sat up, careful not to apply too much pressure to his injured arm.
“Quite the observation.” He replied dryly, swinging his legs off the edge of the bed. She tilted an ear towards him.
“Merely commenting on your fitful sleep.”
He furrowed his brow, a small frown forming on his face. “I think i like it more when you blatantly suggest sleeping with me.”
She abandoned the tablets on the table to turn to face him, a placid expression donned. “Unfortunately, i must assist the male before i am to lay with him.”
Joseph’s eyebrows shot up. Tel has suggested many things since he has known her, vocally and not, but an outright agreement as not something he was expecting.
“Those who you shelter sow worry, no?” She asked with a tilt of her head, her tail swishing lazily behind her as she ignored his minor shock.
He took a breath, nodding as he was called out so directly. “Yeah, i guess.”
“Why?”
“What do you mean why?”
She abandoned the chair to approach him, hands clasped behind her. “You are the Grand Hunter, and though they have not sworn their oath, they must respect your words.”
“Or fuck us over in a million different ways.” He deadpanned.
She leaned forward so her amber eyes bored into his. “Yet you accepted them.”
The human recoiled from the distance. “They were pretty well fucked. Out of food, no home, and desperate enough to charge us. Not to mention their Grand Huntress was the one to suggest that they should fall under us... Not much of a choice if you ask me.” He finished his explanation weaker than it started.
A paw touched his cheek, drawing his eyes back to hers. “You were to oversee many workers, yes?”
“Yes?” He responded, unsure where the mention of the position Robert had offered him came from.
“What would you do to integrate new hires?”
“What does that have to...” He paused, Tel’s smug smile answered the question. “Because new workers need to know how things are done. Orientation. You want me to give them an orientation.”
“You have interviewed them and are assigning them positions. Would it not be fitting for you to ensure they understand the functions of the pack?” She straightened her posture, tail tracing up his chest and flicking under his chin.
He pushed the furry appendage to the side with a sigh. “Stop treating them like an outside force and treat them like they are; new recruits. They’re going to be uncertain and confused for a while, yeah. I’ve worked more than one job where management just dumped me into it with little more than a ‘good luck’. Doesn’t exactly field loyalty to the company when you feel like you don’t matter.”
“Perspective, Joseph. You worry so much that you often forget your role.” She affirmed with a nod. “The safety of the pack is an important aspect of your duties, though controlling it is just as vital.”
He ran his hand through his hair. “I’m still nervous. Honestly, the fact that you guys can just stab me without having a weapon on hand makes dealing with the new group a bit...”
“Stressful?” Tel offered helpfully.
“Yeah, a bit. I’ll get over it.” He confirmed quietly, pushing aside his concerns to address the next hangup. “I suppose I’ll need to prep them for the Atmo too, assuming Astra and Ferra’s reaction is anything to go by.”
The grey-furred female arched a brow. “I would be of the mind that Mi’low or Atrox would have informed them.” Joseph pointed a finger at her.
“Seeing in person is a lot different than going by description, though i guess the booties and fur coats would take the edge off of the experience.” He mused. “Anyway, I’ll have to do a speech of some sort. Hope you like the sound of my voice, i guess.”
“How horrible.” She replied with a sarcastic smirk. “Nevertheless, you have your pack to rely on until you grow accustomed to them.”
He forced himself to his feet, drawing his height to match hers. He reached up and scratched at her ears without thinking. “I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks, Tel.” She stared at him, curious expression at the contact. He pulled his hand away as he noticed. “Sorry, force of habit.”
“I’d rather a different touch.” She replied flatly, turning on her pads to leave the room and a slightly stunned Joseph, tail performing mild figure eights behind her.