Bears, Rogues, and Battle

     The next morning I tried to dress sexy but not seductive. I didn’t want Brad to be so caught up thinking about sex that he didn’t talk or that he got frustrated when he didn’t get sex. There are few things I won’t do for work but sex is a hard no. I ended up picking a flowy country dress from the provided clothing and paired them with boots. Cute and functional, flirty but not sleazy, that was my goal and I think I accomplished it. I pulled my hair back and tied it with a ribbon. Today I needed to be more the girl next door to get the information I needed.  I took a shaky breath and then walked to the bar where Brad would be picking me up for the journey to the gang’s place. Unlike wolves, bears didn’t require large spaces of land outside of towns. The gang’s house was a modest home on the edge of town with a large garage. There were bikes everywhere and random scantily clad biker chicks everywhere. People were passed out on the lawn, the porch, and various spaces inside the house. Drake noticed me looking around and must have thought that I was shocked, because he assured me it wasn’t the normal, just a big celebration of sorts the night before. That did little to ease me, but I plastered an innocent smile on my face and clung closer to him, might as well start the acting now. 

     Once we reached the “throne” room, Brad sat down and pulled me onto his laugh. I let out a squeak and a giggle. The kind of fake sweet giggle that would usually have me rolling my eyes, but I had to play this just right. I asked to see his home but I guess that was a little too forward, because Brad mumbled an apology and said maybe later. I couldn’t find a trace of any wolves at the house. I was here because there is an unusually high amount of rogues in the area and it is believed that this bear gang is working with them. Why they would be working together is a mystery and the information I am here for, my whole mission was to find the connection and learn the reason. I sigh and stretch then stand and ask if I can be shown the restroom. I cringed as I shut and locked the door behind me, obviously none of these women around clean. That made me think of the next phase of my plan. I would cook for Brad, I would charm him with food. I return to the throne room and ask Brad what his plans for lunch are, only to be told anything I want. I mentioned I would like to cook for him and his eyes lit up and almost flickered with sadness or longing for a moment. I made a shopping list and got ready to go to the store as Brad instructed his guys and girls to clean the kitchen while we were gone.

     At the store I got everything to make homemade lasagna, a hearty Italian salad, and lots of garlic bread. I bought a lot knowing bears eat a lot and I am not sure how many we are feeding. I asked Brad if it was enough and he said yes before adding some packages of cookies for dessert, I tsked and said that will not do, so I got the stuff to make a few cakes. It is still early in the morning and I had plenty of time, plus I had gotten stuff for some traditional Italian appetizers. Brad refused to let me pay for the groceries. As he began loading the groceries into the truck, I couldn’t help but notice how attractive he is and yet he was always woman-free at the bar. Such a shame.  I excitedly ramble about the food as we drive back to the house. Once, inside I was amazed at how clean everything is now.  The bears really did a good job.

     I was humming as I zipped around the kitchen sincerely enjoying myself. I love to cook for a crowd. I set out trays of appetizers and watched as people came in and out of the kitchen to grab snacks as I cooked. I  ask Brad a simple question now and then and he does the same. I lie about some things, but others I just change names and locations. It's easier to not get tripped up that way.  I learned that there are a lot of rogues in the area but no pack.  Brad inquires if I am looking for a pack, if I need one. I let him know all wolves need a pack to hold on to their human parts and sanity. We talk about how rogues are vicious and live by few if any rules. He agrees and his eyes show a hint of concern. I learn that he does not like the rogues in the area but is trying to work with them. Now I am curious, but I need to not overwhelm Brad or I risk blowing my cover. As I am about to finish cooking, Brad takes my hand and leads me to a room with a large table that is set quite elegantly for such a rough crowd. Brad confesses he had it fixed this way special for the meal I am cooking. It is perfect. The table fills with people and I go to get the food only to be stopped. Brad instructs me to sit and then a much lovelier version of the biker chicks begin bringing out the food and pouring wine. We are served and everyone digs into the food. There is much laughter and many stories told as we dine. I almost hated to interrupt it, but I leaned in and whispered to Brad, “Why would a bear with such a great setup want to help rogues?” Brad looks both startled and sad. He answers anyway explaining that he is helping them become a pack so they will settle outside of town and stop causing problems. He said they are dangerous and sell drugs and he needs them out of his town. We retire to a living room of sorts and I learn that he is helping them obtain land a good twenty miles from town. He hopes peace will return to his town once the rogues are settled and they become used to pack life. I feel sad for him, he just wants his town back but rogues can’t just settle and become a pack, their wolves have gone feral. 

     I sigh and explain to Brad and he looks as if his world is crashing down. He thanks me for the day and the information and drives me back to the bar. The next morning, I return to Brad’s house and check on him, there are wolves there and fighting. I rush to Brad’s side and fight alongside of him. He is impressed as I battle, I am quite the warrior. I slip off to the side as things are getting progressively worse and call my contact. Just as the fighting is nearing an end the council’s forces arrive and round up the rogues. After questioning Brad, the council decides to leave him and his gang since they were just trying to help, even if they were misguided. I am fake arrested and leave knowing I would return home again soon and never see Brad again. He will think I was arrested and possibly killed, so I arrange for a letter to be delivered. It said I am going to be released but into a pack since I am not a rogue and fought against the rogues not with them. 

     After showering and gathering my things I am on the plane home. I can only think of one thing: Drake.