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Ahote shakes his head. "The longer some of these things are left to fester, the worse they could get. I have a few things to discuss, but we'll start with the most important. I need to know what you think of Maker's influence over Sonoma. Do you think she has the well-being of the pack in mind? When we escaped with her, I hadn't thought she meant to set up shop here. Neither of them ever mentioned that as a possibility." He bites his lip unconsciously. "She's always in that lab—I haven't seen her get any sun since we got here. Unnatural for a wolf to stay cooped up like that."

"I visited her today and she was acting very unusual. She actually took some of my blood without permission!"

"I visited her today, but she didn't seem to be doing anything that would cause harm to the pack if that's what you're worried about."

"Well, she did help us escape. I think we should at least offer her a place to stay until she can find a lab of her own to work in."

"Something about Maker just rubs me the wrong way. I'm not sure we should trust her."

"She's odd, but I think she has our best intentions at heart."

"I don't like her, but as far as I know she hasn't done anything worth expelling her for. Yet."

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Ahote nods grimly. "I've heard the same thing from a few other wolves who came earlier today. She presumes too much and she takes action without the pack's consent. I don't like it at all."

"Who else did she take blood from?" you ask.

"I was told in confidence, Holstein. I can't share that information. I hope you understand."

You avert your eyes and look at the ground for a moment, somewhat uncomfortable with the track of conversation. It's not like Ahote to traffic in rumor and suspicion, and even if his target is undeniably odd, the elder's behavior is out of character. "Was there anything else I could help you with?" you ask.

"One more, yes, although I don't know if you'll have an answer for me." He clears his throat again. It sounds dry and sickly, and you start wondering about his health. "The warden from the Nail. Do you remember his name? I never met him."

"Washburn."

Ahote nods. "That's the one. I understand that he was the one who took Sonoma's eye. She refuses to talk about it. How did it happen?"

"Sonoma tried to kill him, but he got loose and shot her."

"I don't think that's my story to tell. If she wanted you to know, she'd tell you."

"Maker captured him, but for some reason she didn't remember to disarm him. Sonoma attacked and he was faster."

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Ahote's brow furrows. "More strange behavior from the scientist. It's a wonder that Sonoma hasn't turned on her after a such a lapse in judgement."

"Sonoma was furious at her," you say. "Maker shot Washburn in the head after he attacked, but then Sonoma couldn't get her revenge. If Maker hadn't been so light on her feet, she wouldn't be alive today. Sonoma was out for blood."

"And yet," Ahote says, hand cupping his chin, deep in thought. "Maker was still afforded a place of honor amongst the returned prisoners, and even given her own lab. Sonoma is many things, Holstein, but forgiving is not one of them. Something smells about this entire situation."

You can't disagree with him.

"Thank you for being honest with me," Ahote says at last.

"Is there anything else I can do for you?" you ask, hoping to be off.

"Nothing too terribly important," Ahote says. "I did want to mention that I'm pleased you expressed interest to Hanska about training with the Circle of Elders. I think it will do you well if you decide to follow up. Each of them knows at least as much as I do, and their breadth of experience covers many fields of study. There are few better ways to spend your time." He waves you away. "I've kept you from your friends long enough. Thank you for entertaining the ramblings of an old wolf."

Next

Opening the door to the mess hall, you're greeted by a riotous clamor of voices raised in conversation from every corner of the building. The smell of meat and sautéed side dishes wafts from the kitchen like a beckoning hand, reminding you that a werewolf's appetite is never truly sated. Since returning from the Nail, the number of wolves needing to be fed had exploded and communal halls were a state of perpetual motion. Eating alone is an impossibility, but fortunately there's still enough room to be able to choose your dining companion.

Bly is sitting with Inferi, and over the general din you can hear her discussing how to disarm a human holding an assault rifle. It's strange, but you're almost starting to think that they're becoming friends. Others are here too, of course. Dena is sitting at the far end of the building, and Tiva is up at the cafeteria window getting a second helping of dinner. Kotori is sitting alone in a corner, paging through some kind of tech manual as he eats slowly.

I'll sit with Bly and Inferi. It's never a dull moment with them.

I think Dena could use some company.

Kotori looks lonely. This may be a chance to get to know him better.

Tiva's had a rough time lately. I'm sure she'd appreciate having someone to talk to.

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"Hey, Holstein," Bly says as you approach, your plastic tray laden with everything a growing werewolf needs. She leans forward and gives you a kiss while raking one of her claw-tips behind your ear. "You've been a busy boy today."

Inferi uses the break in conversation to wuff down a half-pound burger in two juicy bites. A slice of tomato squeezes out from the bun and lands with a wet splat on the table. Inferi eyes it dubiously.

"Haven't been able to get rid of her all day," Bly says in a mock-whisper. "I'm thinking of renaming her 'Metalheads' into 'Bly's fan club.' Maybe then they would take the hint and give me a little breathing room."

Inferi pokes at the tomato slice.

"Would you cut that out?" Bly snaps, slapping the big wolf's hand away from her mess. "Where's your girlfriend? There's no way Augury would put up with you acting like such a slob."

Augury wedges her way in between Bly and Inferi carrying a small tray of food. Her slight build looks almost comical in comparison to the two warriors, but you have little doubt that she's just as deadly. "I gave up trying to reform her years ago," Augury says, flicking the tomato slice from Inferi's hand. "Once you get used to it, she's actually rather endearing."

"I can see that. Nothing wrong with a lovable goofball who could crush ten tons of steel."

"Stockholm syndrome," I say to Bly with a wink.

"More power to you; I'm not sure I could deal with that."

I raise an eyebrow, but keep my mouth shut.

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