FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

Friday

The cab dropped off its lone passenger by the side of a run down road. The human looked around the familiar yet alien landscape before him, a literal blast from the past. He gave the driver a brief smile and generous tip before his last means of escape veers out the beaten road and back to civilization.

Chase looked down at his phone, eying the messages that his agent had sent, over thirty and counting by the look of things, he had been to nervous to look and decided to hold off until later, nervously touching his dirty brown hair and tousling it- he needed to get rid of that nervous tick he'd always ended up with bed hair if he got at it long enough. Instead he pulled up his luggage bag and bounded forward, deep into the town and back into the past.

Looking up at the sky it was near dusk already, his meetings earlier that day and the subsequent plane ride did nothing for his peace of mind. His keen sense of smell picked up the nostalgic scent of wildflower, damp earth, and fresh pines- that unmistakable aroma of Riverton.

No one knew he was coming and he preferred it stay that way, he did not have fond memories of his hometown, well not many anyways. City life had its own set of challenges but coming back was stressful in a different sort of way. Idly he thought of the people he would see and those he wanted to avoid.

I wonder what he's doing now?

No no that was in the past and he was not going to pry, people move on and it had been so long since the last spoke. Besides he wasn't the one who flaked, so don't so worked up over nothing. He probably won't remember you and if he did he doubt he cared.

For a brief moment he contemplated going to his cousin's place but that was best left in the morning, Mabel would be upset but what's another day added to the years they've last seen each other.

Padding along the uneven road he came up to the motel that he used to always see but never entered. Well until now. It was a modest establishment that seemed to have been recently renovated, a new more modern building still partially scaffold-ed stood adjacent to the old one that he remembered, though even that got some minor renovations. Guess new management had the place spruced up. He gazed up at the new sign and read its new name.

“The Arcadia huh? Well it's certainly better than Quality Inn Motel, " he observed. The stone and wood building definitely held a certain cozy appeal, especially after the restoration. He pushed open the door and was greeted by the sight of a lone canine, a shaggy chocolate Labrador with a dazed expression sitting behind the reception. The room smelled of pine and cleaning products though trace odors of cigar could be distinctly detected.

The door made a jingle and the dog jumped, “I'm awake I'm awake!" he barked out, darting eyes around erratically until settling toward Chase. “Oh.. you're not uhm.. oh hello sir are you looking for a room? We have many new available amenities including WiFi though there's a dead spot if you stray too far from the main building and oh oh and welcome to the Arcadia!" He looked the human up and down, noticing his rather stylishly fit clothes, and what could only be described as an expensive hair cut. His eyes are blocked by some tinted sunglasses. A fit physique probably around 6 feet that was certainly pleasing to eyes and a rather attractive face, for a human anyways.

Chase for his part was critically eying the Labrador anthro wondering if he could recognize who this canid might be. This town does have a rather sizable canine population on account of them being its original founder, since then other species and humans had also settled down. He figured the lab couldn't recognize him even if he did know him, and it had been a decade and Chase looked like a much different person from the out of shape pasty kid with the homemade haircut and bad acne to the functional well kept adult he was now, he even had a tan!

He caught the name-tag, it read Alex and recognition struck him. Shit is that Alex Wambley? The stoner kid? That dopey pup who always slept in class and got in trouble that time for blowing up the school kitchen? He figured the lab would've winded up working at the convenience store with his dad but apparently the dude's running the hotel now. The old owner probably sold the junk heap, not many visitors came to Riverton.

He must've been quiet for quite a bit because the lab was about to speak up when he interrupted him. “Ah yeah I'm looking for a room."

“You look like you're from the city, and quite a fancy one. Don't tell me you're an influencer hehe, I don't take exposure!" he jibed.

“No no I'm planning on paying for my stay, I intend to stay for a few days."

“Good good, we have a few rooms available and if you're feeling fancy you can try out our deluxe suite. It comes with-"

“Nah I'm good, just book me for two days." Chase responded. The dog tapped away at his computer, while mumbling a tune. It looked old but was still serviceable. Chase could see the dog more clearly now that he stood up, the anthro certainly looked better than the last time he saw him sprawled out drunk at the football game. He was around Chase's height but taller by a few inches. He had strong lean arms and a slight but noticeable gut, probably from the sedentary work contributing to his budding paunch. His unkempt shaggy appearance was probably due to all the stress from managing the new inn, or was it a hotel now? He didn't personally know Alex, they didn't run the same social circles, more from reputation but the Lab was always bad at personal grooming.

The friendly dog noticed his observation and thought he'd try an attempt at small talk.

“What brings you to this town anyways? You're a bit early for the summer season, that's when all the tourists come."

“Oh I'm just here on some business... and tourists you say?" Chase was a bit surprised at that, Riverton was a backwater town at best, being the junction and pit stop hours from the city. He forgot his sunglasses were still on and took them off before tussling his hair some more.

“Yeah apparently a few years back the private land here got sold off and it got re-opened as a part of national park. Now it connects through the river and nearly doubled the size of the hiking trail. Now all the hikers and camping type come here during the summer to enjoy a little slice of Riverton." Alex gave him a wide grin and Chase could see the excited tail wag, “I plan on completing all the renovations to the new building by the time summer gets here. Cass and Jonas have been helping a lot with the renovations, they're in construction by the way- big and reliable! I did have to stop them from raiding the complimentary bar a few times though..." Alex rambled on seemingly unaware of Chase for a brief moment.

“That's good, um do you have the room yet?"

“Oh yeah sorry, can I have your name?"

“Uh oh it's-" Chase almost caught himself.

“Hey you look really familiar by the way. Where have I seen you before?"

---

Chase was momentarily flustered, but quickly recovered. Well here goes nothing. He took a breath and put on his persona.

“It's Casey, and I do get that a lot. You ever seen The Chaos Agency?"

“Huh? You some kinda big shot movie star? Can I get an autograph?" Alex perked up and wagged enthusiastically. He looked closer at Chase.

“Er not really, it's a TV show and I'm in it as more of a supporting role but apparently it has exploded in popularity recently." he admitted. He had caught his big break after working several years in odd jobs, and having been homeless for a brief stint. Those early days had been hell, but looking back it was all worth it. Recognition seemed to flash in Alex's eyes and for a moment Chase though he recognized the real him.

“Oh yeah, its on FBO! I think I know what you're talking about, the kids are always talking about it, I think I've caught it a few times" he grinned. “How about I upgrade you to Deluxe Suit! You're better than an influencer, I can actually get some real eyeballs on this place if you post it on your social!"

“That's really kind of you but I don't need-" he stammered, Alex was getting closer and more excitable he wagged his tail like an oversized pup and starting taking out his phone.

“I think I remember you now! Your hair was definitely different, you play Grayson right? Man the way your head exploded was crazy, please tell me you get return next season- you never did reveal what your superpower was!" he was now an energetic ball of chocolate and equally cloying with how close they were getting.

Playing it off coolly and shrugging Chase replied “I don't know whether or not I'll be making a comeback. That's confidential." Pausing briefly he continued. "But the fans were certainly crying when I died, even had a highlight reel shown to me by my agent. They were totally hoping to ship me with Silverthorn, though with how things are that doesn't seem likely does it?"

“Haha you and Silverthorn!? No way those kids are insane, it's obviously you with Mercurial- that scene where you practically eye-raped each other was so obvious!" he practically shouted.

“You uh are a much bigger fan of the series than I thought," he was briefly surprised to find a fan in this town of all places. FBO's political leanings were quite the mismatch with Riverton, let alone all the sex scenes, orgies, and sprinkling of gay/lesbian content the shows had. He could practically feel Alex breathing down his neck and before he knew it he heard a snap and he and Alex had a selfie together.

“Oh yeah duh no one calls it The Chaos Agency, only book nerds call it that. I just go by Legion. And no spoilers please! Hm.. then again maybe a hint?" he answered half paying attention while he eyed the picture phone. With a childlike glee he hit started pressing buttons, probably cropping the photo or navigating the menus.

“The boys are gonna be so jealous, we've got some diehard Legion fans in Riverton!"

“R-really?" He gulped, looking back he was not at all surprised Alex didn't recognized him, he practically had a second puberty since he left at sixteen. Not to mention he was always in makeup with the contacts and that ridiculous hair. Even the credits used his actor name.

“Hell yeah, we even gather around the community center sometimes to watch it!"

Now he was sweating bullets, he did not want that photo getting out and but before he could even respond Alex hit the post button. “There!"

“Shit." Chase croaked.

---

The bed creaked audibly as Chase slowly melt into the sheets. He load out a long drawn out groan and tried unsuccessfully to push out any lingering unease. Not even an hour into town and he'd been recognized. Well at least it was from a relative stranger and not his real identity. It took a bit of coaxing and bribing but he managed to get the excitable lab to take down his post though it had taken almost half an hour and who knows the damage that had already done. He'd promised a better photo, the one Alex had taken caught him wide eyed like a deer in the headlights. Chase also said he would get him an autographed poster of everyone in the cast and he also had gave him his phone number to prove he would his promise.

Edging over to the nightstand, Chase clicked the lamp on, illuminating the room he'd be staying in.

The room was thankfully not the suite, he'd convinced the lab that he had needed to lay low and didn't want to attract any unwanted attention, something about a secret side project and that was all it took for the dog to agree. Everything looked ordinary enough. Chase heard the ping of his phone and another message appeared, he didn't need to looked to know it was his agent Carol. Sighing he decided now was as good a time as any. He looked at the recent texts and they were all along the lines of:

Hello? You there!? This is big! Respond immediately!

He rolled the his eye and scrolled them up til he got to the original text, he'd been dreading it ever since he found out his character was going to stay dead for at least one season. He'd been making union minimum wage till the previous season when his character apparently got more screen time and it still only a modest bump since he hadn't appeared for half the season. Fans are a fickle beast and they'd probably forget about him by the time it resumed. Grimacing, he held his breath and opened it.

Been talking to the directors, and they said they loved you so much they plan on resurrecting you early! You're definitely in for the finale next season! Also Alan said he'd be interested in you co-starring an independent film. This could be your big break! Something to really flex that acting muscle!

Elation and anxiety flared in equal intensity as his spirit soared. This could be it, until he read the next message.

They are uh expecting you to do nude scene, full frontal, are you okay with that?

Chase's heart sank like a rock, he'd never had to do any sort of sex scene on his set of Legion and was thankful for the stipulation added in by his agent. Sure he'd done the tasteful smut scene, but even then they'd been tasteful and less sexual. But to be fully naked on camera? This was too much. He shoved the phone back into his pocket and let out a muffled scream into the pillow. This was starting to bring back some rather bad memories of another time he'd been naked in front of so many people and he didn't want to go there.

Thinking quickly, the actor straightened out the bed and reached for his luggage. He fumbled on the combination, the numbers were the ones he'd always use it was just easier to remember. There was that familiar click as it opened unceremoniously, dumping half the content onto the carpet floor. Oof he forgot how he'd packed in a hurry. Chase made a personal accounting of what he brought. Three sets of clothes, one for the funeral- one casual and his hoodie in case he got into an accident. He got up and walked around, looking down at himself.

Alex's initial impression was right, he was over dressed for this weather let alone this town. He took off his jacket and the designer shirt he wore and briefly looked at himself in the bathroom mirror. In front of him stood a fit and roguishly attractive looking man with a healthy tan and just the hint of facial hair. He had been hitting the gym for his role as Grayson the liaison and secret agent of the Tower and managed a six pack by the time he needed to do that one scene with the tattered suit that revealed his abs. Deep brown eyes peered back at him, if he leaned in at the the right angle to the light he could swear it verged on gold. He'd been fortunate enough to have a rather smooth and expressive face, just the slightest changes with light makeup could make him look boyish or more masculine. Chase thought he could pull off a more mature look if he grew out his facial hair, something he couldn't do while he was on contract. Though since he finished filming all the necessary episodes already he could stand to try growing one, how long could he grow it? For now he just needed to look plain.

Chase wiped his face of both makeup and grime, then took time the time to wash his hair of all the hair products. It didn't take long for him to fully dry off with the bath towels. He did a quick comb with his hair before going back to the cloth pile. For a finishing touch he took out the spray can he always carried, a scent masker that made it difficult for furs to profile him. Furs did that subconsciously and he thought it would help mask other fur from recognizing him since smell was so important to canines. He shook it and was distraught to find it nearly empty, did he really take the wrong one? Sparingly he sprayed over himself, especially the pits and groin before dressing again, this time though he decided he'd wear his hoodie. Taking one last look around the room, Chase did his customary pat before leaving.

Keys or rather key card check. Phone check. Wallet check.

He exited his room and shut the door with a smooth fluid motion. Pull down the hoodie, and up the sunglasses went. Yeah it was a bit douchey but he could just say he had a headache. Despite what he thought there were a few other guests staying at the Arcadia. He'd seen a family entering the room across from his and they appear like him to be more local, probably from the nearby unincorporated towns.

Though the place had gone through changes, some still remained the same. There was always rumors of hookups occurring at the Quality Inn Motel and judging by the moans and creaking from the room at the end of the hall it was still the case. Chase blushed a bit as he passed the room by. Chase sauntered down the stairs, his room was on the second floor of the original building. He noticed the front desk was empty and could hear Alex talking in another room.

“Yeah uh I made a mistake, totally! Wrong guy, you know how it is with humans. They all look the same! What no, I didn't mean you do- just every other human -" the lab whined.

With practiced haste Chase loped across the lobby and out into the streets. He took the shortcut that everyone else in town knew and circle around the hotel to it's parking lot where a path would cut straight into the town proper. Turning the corner he looked across the parking lot and dread set in, a familiar looking car came into view. The Sheriff patrol car. With lightning fast reflex Chase turned back around the corner and held he back to the wall.

Oh shit is he here?

Panic was setting in and for a brief moment he was a kid again.

Nope, no way that old fuck must be pushing retirement by now. Even if he still works he'd be too much of a fat ass now.

After a brief hesitation Chase peeked around the corner again, it seems the car is empty. Without missing a beat Chase bolted across the park lot, light steps across the asphalt and in moments entered the clearing. If he didn't know any better destiny seems hell bent on making his life hell.

Not much has changed though, the grassy path had its familiar worn look like always and there in the middle of the road stood a familiar statue. He slowly approached it, almost reverently- he lost count of the amount of time he'd stand here on the edge of town wondering if today was the day he'd break away. Chase remembered squirreling away what little cash he had in a tin cookie box just to make sure his mom didn't rummage through his things looking for it. He wondered if that box was still where he buried it.

Looking up at the familiar statue of wolf anthro kneeling, his hands clasped in silent contemplation or possibly prayer. Chase read the plaque. “In remembrance of Standing Hope, may this tragedy never happen again." He looked at the worn date and was surprised it was almost the anniversary of that terrible riot. He'd read the history books, Riverton had been a canine only town till about a century and a half ago.

Then humans starting moving in, that opened a whole of worms. Apparently rumors had been spread that the dogs were discovering gold in the nearby mountains and overnight Riverton had become a mining town. Many prospective miners and fools came in expecting to make a quick buck, others were drawn to its natural splendor and its isolated location meant certain illegal activities were more easily overlooked. It didn't help that by the turn of the last century a group of human immigrant were dumped at the town's doorstep, the government had thought it cheapest to resettle them here. Tension then was at a boiling point by then, many of the canids upset that they were forced to house thousands of new refugees- unskilled and speaking barely any English.

Not wanting bad press, the governor had sent local militia- choosing specifically only the human reserves to quell the protest. Of course that was a powder keg waiting to happen, no one knew who started it, the anthros said an officer shot first while the official stance of the state was that it was an unforeseeable accident caused by rioters and the officer had to be able to defend themselves. Twenty seven anthros and four humans died, many more injured. Whatever the case was, it was silently brushed under and news of it died rather quickly when no major paper wanted to push it.

Chase always wondered if part of the animosty he felt was due to the history of this place but then again the town is pretty much evenly divided between canines and non-canines (counting the other furs that is).

No not all canines anyways. It was mostly just the feral canids, more specifically the wolves and especially that one pack of wolves.

He was broken out of his reverie when he heard the snap of a branch, turning around just in the time to see the hint a muzzle right in front of his face.

---

Standing before Chase stood a physically imposing wolf, near pitch black and ruffled feral maned in appearance. The wolf seems to be covered in leaves and branches. He was greeted with a familiar pair of cool gleaming eyes that seem somewhat haggard.

It's him, holy shit. It's really him.

Those same smoldering eyes that used to get him weak in the knees, those fluffy perked ears that betray their emotions, and deep blue eyes that seem to lost their luster. Hunter Howle, the one time friend, bully, jock, boyfriend, classmate, confidant, protector, and so much more all rolled into one eyed him up and down for one brief moment before speaking. Chase was lost in them for a spell before the wolf's ear twisted from side to side.

“You lost? The hotel is thataway," he gestured with difficulty and for the first time Chase noticed the wolf he was seeing face to face. He had grown since the dozen years he'd last seen him. That once fiery spirit and annoyingly confident jock had a hunch to his posture, clearly drunk. He's put on pounds of muscle and maybe a bit of fat giving him the appearance of an off season builder, Hunter was always a stress lifter. Though he was bent he still met Chase at eye level, damn he's big. He also however seem different from that snapshot his memory have preserved of him.

A strange feeling welled up deep within, old memories flooding back to him of a similar moment at this exact location so many years ago- the paralyzing moment of decision, the fallout, that moment forever crystallized and frozen in time. Is this really Hunter? He looks so… tired.

Almost sensing Chase's thought the wolf stumbled a bit before standing up straight. Upright he looked rather intimidating, past 7 foot and some change. He was just at eye level with the wolf's chest.

“What's with the look?" He seemed to gain some lucidity and glared back, ears drawn back.

“It's the weekends and I'm on break. Hic. I'm allowed to be drunk in my down time- stop judging me pup," he almost growled in that familiar manner. Confident and somewhat dismissive. This was not how a reunion should've gone, not that that he was looking for one. Hunter closed in dark wet nose to face with Chase but with the hoodie, shades and his masking scent along with Hunter's own general level of intoxication nothing seems to register to the big wolf. That didn't stop the big lupine from sniffing him though, Chase got a little scared as he wrinkled his nose sourly.

“Ack you smell too much of product, damn you tourists are always coming in here littering the streets and mucking up the parks. If I catch you doing any of that I'm gonna haul your ass up to the station myself. You're looking shady as hell looking all covered up. Hic."

Fear instantly subsided and Chase immediately felt a wave of anger, the wolf took one look at him and was already acting judgemental and preachy. This asshole really is Hunter.

“You're one to talk" Chase groused. Gesturing at him up and down. “You come out of the bushes reeking of alcohol and-"

It took Chase a moment, but suddenly he realized the colossal dog was half naked. He had on an oversized jacket and nothing underneath, the dense fur made it difficult to tell but there were some definition on that wolf. He was also wearing tight white briefs, not doing much to hide his goods. They were big and the cloth hung tightly to them, bulging out almost impertinently. Chase almost lost his train of thought ogling them before he caught himself.

“Why are you half naked? I should have you arrested for public indecency!"

“Wha? Oh shit!" Hunter just now seemed to realize his own immodesty and tried adorably to cover himself, his ears dropped and his tail was curling to the front to block his tighty whities. “Yeah, asshole friend took my clothes while we were drunk."

“Then why'd they leave your jacket?"

“It wasn't on me when they stripped me! I only got it after I woke up, they must've forgotten about it." he whined. “Besides I was only walking for few a minutes when I stumbled onto you. What's your excuse for being here?" Hunter seem to eye the statue and peered behind it before relaxing.

“I saw the statue and came to look at it. I'm a tourist, sight-seeing is what I do."

Hunter eyed him skeptically but then shrugged. “Whatever as long as you're not doing anything shady it's none of my business. Hic. Besides, I ain't got nothing to be ashamed." He flexed an arm and gave Chase a grin. “Like what you see?"

Wait, is this a test? No no way. He's just teasing.

“You're not my type."

“Really? So you eyeballing my goods just mere coincidence?" He tried to raise an eyebrow flirtatiously.

What the hell is up with him? Was he always this direct? Was it because he thinks I'm a stranger?

Hunter drew closer and Chase could practically smell the alcohol on his breath. The wolf gave a predatory smile, his tail wagging even though it's still up front.

“Hmm you don't look half bad for a pinkie." The muzzle was getting dangerously close. Chase's nerve was acting up and he could feel the wolf moving his hand slowly towards his face. He's getting close and for some reason Chase didn't want him to stop.

“And there's something familiar about you..." Before Hunter could finish his thought a ringtone blared. What could only be described as the most irritating noise in the world emanated from Hunter's jacket.

At the sound of that ringtone all signs of joviality seem to evaporate from the big wolf. “What the fuck does she want now." He awkwardly fumbled through his jacket before fishing out an older model phone.

“Yeah what? No that's not today- wait. Fuck I'm drunk sort that shit out yourself. Why- oh hell fine. FINE. I'm coming." Even from here Chase could detect a shrill voice coming from the phone. Whoever it was Hunter did not liked. Was that who he thinks it is? A girlfriend or possibly... a wife? Chase shuddered at the thought. The wolf turned away from Chase and his tail went slack.

“Yeah yeah I'll see you when I sober up, gimme a hour. Hic. What? Not my problem- I'll drink whenever I goddamn want!" He had a brief flare of defiance before whatever the woman on the other ended responded. Every second passing by seems to batter at the lupine's will and he soon was hunched like he was at the beginning. “Yea, yep, yap… okay okay fine" he drew that one out a bit. “See ya." With that Hunter ended the call and let out a sigh.

Chase almost felt bad for the poor guy, but then again he chose this. It was the bed he made and he can sleep in it, fleas and all. He was even flirting with him just a moment ago even though he's with a woman. Still…

“The old ball and chain?" he tried in a consoling tone.

“Something like that." Hunter rose up a stretched his arms upwards, his muscles appearing taut and flexing, revealing defined arms and a strong profile to Chase. “Listen it's been fun meeting you, um."

“Casey."

“Nice to meet you Casey, I'm Hunter. Hic. Anyways I gotta go, don't go getting trouble ya hear?" He gave the human a wave before heading towards the Arcadia.

“Oh you're sleeping there? I thought you lived in town?" He inquired, he really didn't want to find out he'd be rooms from Hunter. If he sobered up he might actually recognize him.

“Huh? Oh no I left my stuff there, just gotta sober up bit then grab dinner. Hic." The moment gone, Hunter turned around and ambled up the grassy pathway, one arm waving backwards.

“Stay safe, wild animals sometimes appear at night. Wouldn't want a predator to getting to you now would ya?" Somehow he could feel the wolf grinning.

Chase was treated to the sight of the giant's tasty rump as he walked and and his eyes lingered, he could swear the wolf was deliberately teasing him, his tail lazily swaying back and forth. It wasn't long before the wolf was completely gone from view.

Speaking of tasty, Chase's stomach grumbled.

---

Strolling at a brisk pace along the pathway Chase came into view of the first few buildings. Most of them were hardly more than two or three stories. It was a heavy contrast to where he lived now, the bustle of city life with its ever present smell of garbage, the perpetual background noise consisting of chatter, construction, and vehicles to the tense silence of town life gnawed at him. It's easy to disappear in the city harder when crickets are the loudest thing for miles. It's barely nightfall and already street traffic is nonexistent.

As he came into the main street of the town cutting through the roundabout entrance he could see that things had changed in the years he was away. The pathway he took was at the back of what used to be a dilapidated building that for his life as long as he recalled was empty. Instead the building is now an electronics and repair store, did Old Gibson's shut down or is there just another repair shop now? Chase dismissed the thought as he walked through his old haunting ground. Some potholes had been repaired, there's not a few more streetlights but the overall vibe of Riverton remained the same.

Same town, same skyline, or so he thought at first. The water tower, the tallest structure in the town proper seems to have some repairs made along with a new paint job and proudly spelled out the town's name, and wait... is that comic sans? Chase could only imagine the thought process mayor Bartleby went through for that choice and almost choked. That old fox always had the worst design taste. He wondered if he was even still in office. Every step beckons forth old memories and faces surfaced, he couldn't help but be a little nervous.

Take a deep breath, let it in. He inhales.

And out. He exhales out slower.

You're only here for two days tops. Go to the funeral, meet Mabel to get the legal stuff sorted out then get the hell out of dodge.

Chase thought back to his interaction with the wolf and fumed a bit.

He called me a pup! We're the same age! The nerve. If the phone call was any indication he was back in the closet too. Ugh.

Chase wanted to take pleasure in that, but schadenfreude rarely helped with his own anxiety, if anxiety he was feeling bad for the wolf. Time and misery will erode strongest individuals and Hunter must've been stewing for the entire decade.

He could see the faint trace of several new buildings dotting the town entrance and was intrigued. One that stood out was a familiar looking diner, well at least the brand was. Damn they've got a Hopper's here, he grinned and was already salivating. They make the best damn pancakes and he wanted, no needed some comfort food.

Chase picked up his pace padding to the glowing beacon in the quiet night and then before he reached the restaurant doors he ducked around and slowly poke his head through the windows to see if he recognized anyone. He picks up on a rather sprightly doe in her teens smiling to a family of humans and taking their orders. On the opposite side of the room were several teenagers two shepherds, a husky and a boxer, all boys typing away while not making eye contact to each other but still talking through full muzzles. Finally there's an older dalmatian talking to a female retriever, maybe a date? None of them he recognized.

He felt stupid for being this cautious, the town is pretty big and has a sizeable population, it was really the northern half he really had to worry about. He decided to put on a more confident front, smoothing himself and cleaning off the traces of grass and dirt from his detour. Pulling out the persona he used while on set and interacting with coworkers, he smiled to himself. Exude charisma, he decided he didn't need his shades on and dropped his hoodie. Pulling back his hair and smoothing out any strays he pushed open the doors. The doe was still tending to the humans so he decided to try sitting at the front instead.

He was greeted with an odd sense of familiarity like a mismatched memory. There was the same billboard top 100 songs that must've been played on a loop all day long. And that smell- pancakes, hot toast, butter melting good filled the air. The decor was also eerily familiar, the same color palette that evoke a friendly if corporate aesthetic.

Chase walked up to the counter and plopped down on one of the chairs. Gingerly swinging on the stool like a kid before he glanced over to see a figure in the back kitchen.

“Hello?" He waved to the person. The person turned around and Chase was surprised to see a rather big buck looking back, holding his gaze for a brief moment before turning to his current task.

“Hold yer horses, I'll be out front soon- just gotta finish this real quick." He murmured, with one tongue sticking out. His size belying his dexterity. He laid the finishing touches on a rather complicated banana split and brought it out front setting it on the counter for pick up. Chase was looking up at the anthro, he was tall, almost 6 and half foot and had a rounded belly. His arms however looked huge, like he used to work out and gave up, not really muscular just the kind of bulk you get from doing heavy labor. What was unusual was his antlers, or rather lack of them. One of them was gone and the other was filed down.

The stag seems to notice him staring and just shrugged, “Late shedding, I swear it's from all the medication I'm taking but my doctor says I'm full of it." He has a very deep but spoke with a soft cadence, like a giant carefully picking the right words to use. He points to his one good horn and continued. “The other one hasn't fallen yet but it's got to be any day now. Honestly I wanna pull it out right now but the bleeding will scare the customers. I like to keep them short, otherwise it tends to catch on things real easy."

Chase only nodded and smile, he read the name-tag on the buck, “That's real considerate of you Eugene, usually the stags I see grow them out and proud especially out here where you've got more room."

The anthro just grinned, “Call me Gene, and it's a force of habit. Ex military, everything's gotta be up to code and I just never quite lost the habit. It's definitely an experience living here."

“Ah you must be new here, I just arrived earlier today. Name's Casey." He extended a hand with an award winning smile (maybe that'll happen soon) and the big anthro took it and shook back.

“Yer right about that, wanted to enjoy the quiet life. Always wanted to own a restaurant so I quit the force, get a nice severance and here I am living the dream here in dog country! Been two years since I moved here." He grinned.

“Yeah that's the most surprising to me, you've chosen a very predator heavy place to retire to, not afraid of the fangs and claw are you?" He asked conversationally while the stag brought him the menu. He could smell the delectable aroma of breakfast foot on the girthy anthro. Usually for franchises it the was same everywhere but each Hopper's has its own local specials. He eyed that section in particular and grinned. “Hot Dogs and Hush Puppies?" That was a bit on the nose.

“Hehe, they don't scare me, those overgrown mutts are nothing compared to my old squad. We had a bengal tiger, a gator, several bears, one of them was a kodiak and one giant ass rhino. I had to beat their ass a few times and I did it without antlers too. The rhino got to keep his damn horn which by the way was total bull."

“You came out on top huh? Then the local pack don't scare ya?" He caught himself, was he supposed to know that?

“So you've heard of the them too huh? They keep to themselves most of the time, though… those lunatics are always howling at the moon and acting like they own the place. I hear they go out buck naked or something on the full moon and act like wild animals in the national park. Always claiming about being the original settlers and all that. I hear the Sheriff's part of the pack too. Big guy. Probably couldn't take him on, although..." The buck must be lost in thought considering all sort of ambush scenarios.

Chase gulped, that fat fuck really is still working there then...

The Alpha of the Riverton wolf pack.

He was lost in thought, he did not want to get into a confrontation with that guy again. Maybe this time Hunter would protect him? He shook his head. No no just avoid that man like the plague and hope he's forgotten him like he said he would. He caught in the corner of his eye someone approaching.

“No way pops, you're way too fat and old to take on anyone his size."

Chase turned to see the grinning doe pick up the banana split and poking at the stag's gut.

“I ain't paying for your therapy when you came back out a pretzel."

“Haha you little shit, I outta box your ears. Like you got any cash to your name!" He swatted at her only for the doe to reflexively duck her head and give him a shit eating grin.

“If you can't hit me what makes you think you've got a chance against him? And I think our guest is getting hungry."

Chase got a closer look at the petite girl and could on assume she was his daughter. She looked young, maybe fifteen or sixteen and had a name-tag that read Clara. The little doe definitely had a youthful exuberance about her, effervescent and charming though with a sailor's tongue.

“You better not croak before the insurance policy kicks in, baby girl needs some way to pay for her lavish lifestyle."

He raised an eyebrow as she winked and dabbed at them, one hand upraised with the split and nearly doing one of her own, legs akimbo. All the while gliding backwards on her shoes.

Are those heelys?

---

Turning back to the stag, who gave a half shrug he continued. “What about her? Is she gonna be safe around all those big bad wolves?"

The stag almost paused for a moment then grinned, “If you think her mouth is bad, wait til you see her kick. Clara can handle herself just fine. In fact most of the canids like her. Although… I'm keeping my eyes out on one of them. He's been eying her waaayy too familiarly." Gene cracked his knuckle. "Now what'll ya be havin'?" The stag briefly checked his phone while Chase ruminated.

“I'll have the strawberry pancake combo, bacon and eggs, and oh what the hell I'll have a sundae too." Chase eagerly sets his card on the scanner while Gene tallied up the total. He had been starving ever since he had to go on the diet and even then still had to stay on a diet due to his contract even after filming ended. He was going to pig out for the coming summer and wondered where to go for vacation.

He decided to check back on his phone while the big buck went back into the kitchen go cook the order. The messages were still piling on his phone so he just decided respond to Carol.

I'll make a decision when I get back.

Chase was like all public figures, admitted he looked himself up on occasion and decided to do a little Googling.

Chase Hill? Or Casey Meadows?

He was surprised go discover his wiki only had his real first name but not his last name. Well they got his birthday right, and to his delight now had a new entry to his filmography besides that awful role as an extra. His early life section was almost blank and he thought about writing it out himself. Nah only losers edit their own wiki. He didn't even have a photo on the page, though somehow there was a height recorded on it. Chase frowned.

I am not 5' 11". I'm 6' 1".

Whoever wrote that was dead wrong! He huffed, in a world full of titanic anthros and minuscule ones height is more important than ever. The short one got typecasted as much as the tall ones and humans while the most populous still wanted tall people as actors. Remembering Hunter and shuddering, he couldn't help but be jealous of what kind of acting opportunities the big wolf would get. Before Chase get lost in thought he heard the door opening and heard a voice that sent his heart leaping into his mouth.

“Evenin' Clara! Hehe how's the crowd tonight?" Chase was stunned.

Shit, is that who I think it is?

“Hey Kyle, how's the haul today? You ain't slackin' on the job are ya?"

It is… goddammit how many people am I gonna see one night!?

Chase practically froze in place as reeled in upon himself. First it was his former boyfriend and now it's his nightmare made flesh. He couldn't help but turn his head mechanically to the figure interacting with the doe. Kyle goddamn Miller the oily serpent himself. He was the one who ratted him out! He gazed at the wolf-dog and couldn't hide his contempt.

Best friends since childhood and the moment he could sell him out he did. Kyle was practically family when they were young, since second grade in fact. They were always there for each other, the outcast human with the crazy mom and the mix breed runt. Chase stared daggers at Kyle and tried to remember the changes. He was short as always, that is short for an anthro with those Riverton wolf genes. Almost as tall as Alex and on the thin side, not as willowy as he last saw the mongrel, the wolf-dog is clearly more athletic now.

He must've been staring too long because Kyle seemed to notice the attention and stared at him, flashing that wolfish grin that you could never discern. Chase realized he might actually be recognized.

“Can I help you? Your first time seeing a wolf?" He grinned but gave off an almost dismissive vibe.

Is that what you're calling yourself now?

“Uh sorry." Their eyes locked for a brief moment before Chase remembered himself, he turned back, avoiding eye contact as much as possible and was glad his food was on the table. He shook his head and tried to dig into his meal.

Chase could feel the hair on the back of his head stand up as the wolfdog approached the counter, he thought for sure the canid would recognize him and just froze up. The gray and brown anthro sidled up beside him and grinned. Chase had often dreamt about what Kyle did to him, some days he would imagine punching the miserable mutt in the face or scream and shout at him till his ears fell off. Other times he thanked him for ruining his life and giving him the impetus to run away.

“No problem, I know I can be intimidating to humans. But don't worry I won't bite." He reached over and for a moment Chase thought that the wolf was gonna touch him, only to pick up a bag from Gene.

Huh?

“Thanks, I tipped extra!" Kyle had one hand on his phone and was thumbing through an app. “Gotta modernize this town, we need more shops around here accepting pay-by-apps!" Chase was flummoxed, was that all?

As Kyle padded out the diner Chase could only stare in surprise. The one person who knew him the longest didn't even recognize him one bit. And somehow that really pissed him off.

---

Grumbling while chewing a mouthful of pancake, Chase stuffed his mouth til his cheek are full. He was both relieved and irked. Mostly relieved though, he was after all a human and any confrontation would result in him getting his ass handed to him. Sometimes he wondered why humans were top dog in the proverbial hierarchy of this world, guess it helps when you're the most populous species in the world.

Gene eyed the brooding man and just gave a nod, “That's Kyle, he's one of the good ones. Probably the friendliest wolf you'll find around these parts and that's saying something."

Chase doubted that, though he could see why Eugene had thought that. If Kyle was still the same asshole he always he then that was all an act. A very convincing one he begrudged. He had thought about all his interactions with the wolf-dog over the years and wondered if any of it had been real. Maybe it had been at one point, but once Kyle had an in with the wolves- ironically through Chase, he had pretty much been weaseling into their good graces and ignoring his old friend. As time went on they just grew more distant.

“That's nice." He did not care to know more about his erstwhile friend and decided continue with his meal.

There was a brief respite for him while he ate, and looked up to a small TV that was running the local news. He recognized the same old wizened Irish Wolfhound news caster, who is somehow still kicking it while droning on about the latest town news. The current one being about a local dispute between an irate Terrier protesting new zoning rules. Hopefully the news will stay boring all weekend long. The news was zoned out for a few moments until the weather came along. A young Border Collie Chase barely knew by the name of Aster was on with a bookish grin while gesturing at the map.

“And for the weekend forecast we have a 40% chance of rain tomorrow but a clear day on Sunday. The weather will be in the low 50s up to mid 70s later on in the day. Oh speaking of, don't forget that is a once in a lifetime event passing over the northern hemisphere this Sunday! It is the return of the Argos comet!

“This spectacular and wonderful event happens only once every 97 years and is said to portend great and terrible change. As for me though, I'll be barbecuing with the folks! I've heard others are going hiking up the park and doing some sky watching! If you do plan on going, pack coolly if you only got one coat or are fur-less! For those with double coat or thicker, you just need a light jacket. Or not I'm not your mother. But if you do freeze to death I am not legally responsible."

“Haha okay Tom, in other news -" Chase tuned the rest out. He'd been wanting to star see the comet and had nearly forgotten in the panic to get here. He was always a big superstitious and maybe taking a selfie in the hills of Riverton's National Park would look good on his social.

Maybe if everything was taken care of quickly enough I might take a detour on Sunday before going back.

One good thing to look forward to. Before he knew it he was nearly done with his meal and it was close to eight. He decided it was still too early to retire and chose to take his time with the sundae.

“You guys doing anything for Sunday's comet thing?"

“Oh the stargazing thing huh? Don't know honestly, seems like a waste of time- just gonna pass by in a flash and all that."

“Dad you're too old to be hiking anyways, don't blow out your back." Clara interjected, returning back after serving the other guests.

“Agh you have no respect for your dad. And I'm not that old, I'm still in my forties! Don't go thinking you can reverse psychology me into going either!" Gene huffed, folding his arms and trying to put on a gruff exterior.

“Nope? Oh well, we can still watch from the roof top. I'm gonna make a wish when I see it!" The doe grinned with a wide smile.

“You dumbass that's a shooting star, hah! Meteors aren't the same as a comet" Gene seems almost giddy correcting his daughter, he must not get the upper hand much.

“Yeah and I'm leaving you in a retirement home if you keep that up." She pouted before sauntering off.

Gene just guffawed while Chase observed the exchange with a faint grin.

“Must be nice to have such good relationship with your kid." He mused out loud.

“Oh she's a handful, but I love her so much. Just the wonder and joy a kid can bring to your life. Don't tell her I said that though, makes her think she can charm me into buying thing! She can.. but uhh just don't say it to her!"

Chuckling the young man got up from his seat finishing the last dregs of his sundae before fishing out cash for the food and a twenty as tip for Clara.

I am a generous god. He sagely thought to himself. He also felt the need to pee.

---

Turning around, he caught Clara muttering to herself in the corner, more peeved than actually pissed of.

“That stupid oaf, he said that comets grant wishes and I actually believed him..."

He gave her a smile and a wave, hoping the tip improves her mood. The bathrooms in these places are usually separate buildings, and like all Hopper's the bathrooms should be along the diner's back. He had a nostalgic look in his eye while watching the group of kids still sitting where they were, probably still killing time and avoiding going back home. Small town life does not agree with the young and adventurous, there is a total lack of a nightlife, plus the last time he still roamed these streets the only vaguely fun places besides restaurants were the arcade, the community center, the rundown buildings at the west end of town and of course the park. At least they had stable WiFi, he had to interact with actual people.

He remembered one particular time they interacted, it was dark night on a late spring not too different from tonight and the memory flooded him.

* * *

“Are we there yet!?" The youth was panting, out of breath. His legs were about to give in when he companion dragged him up by his collar.

“You're sure they're cool with us coming? I mean they are part of THAT pack, the one that looks down on humans and dogs and treats us like shit?" The wolf-dog skeptically questioned.

“Hunter's different, besides its only gonna be him and like two others!" The youth barely a teenager responded with gusto. The wolf-dog could only roll his eyes at. Chase had met the wolf on several occasions through the years, mostly brief exchanges at most at the school halls since they were in elementary school. In recent times he started casting lingering glances at the wolf, he was just so cool and had an air of confidence about him, not realizing the feelings he was developing.

One day the black pup just went up to him and gave him a light growl.

“Your mom's been coming around again, shouting at the neighborhood like a lunatic again."

Chase could only cringe, another episode? She would always get into one of her moods and run to the wolf heavy neighborhoods screaming at the top of her lung about one thing or another. Sometimes they were flattering other times just downright vile.

“What do you want me to do about it? Not like she's home half the time."

“Well she does yell about you half the time, is it true what she said?"

“No, she's insane, always chasing wolves." Chase shrugged with embarrassment.

“Oh? And you don't? I see you eying me sometimes. Like mother like son eh?"

“Wha- no. You're just imagining things."

“Interesting turn of phrase chasing wolves, isn't it also what those people doing that drug-"

“Hylacanthus Lupus, also known as to those doing it as-"

“Chasing the Wolf! Oh that, I had heard of that too! Is it true what they say? It makes humans see shit. I heard it gives canines a buzz. Kinda like catnip for dogs, my uncle can totally hook me up with that."

“I'll bet he could..." He wondered if that's where his mother was getting her supply from.

“What's that supposed to mean? You think all wolves are drug dealer or something pinky?"

“Wha no, it's just you know he's a-"

“I'm just kidding!" Hunter gave him a light jab to the shoulder that hurt. “Relax dude. Hey me and friends are gonna hang out by the west side parks past Greely's Point, come join us!"

“I thought that's private land, you'll get shot on sight."

“Who do you think owns the private lands?" Hunter gave a grin and wave back to Chase. “See ya there at 9! You can bring your half breed friend if you're so worried!" He probably didn't mean it like that, Hunter was always a bit blunt at times.

After recovering his breath, he glanced at the clearing in the park. He looked at the signs posted along the side gate, many trees obscuring most of the area from prying eyes and an ugly fence wall had partitioned the private parts from the public one.

This is Private Property. Trespassers will be shot!

Well that was terrifying, but he did have permission so what the hell. He crossed the threshold and found three other wolves of varying sizes just sitting around, they were wearing pretty light despite the chilly air. Must help to have such a fluffy coat, he wondered if Hunter would let him pet him. The clearly was pretty big and the trees and dense foliage made the place darker than it really is, he only now realized how that he probably had the worst night time vision in the group. He turned and spotted Kyle shakily following him, half in awe half in nerve probably.

“Heh so you did bring him along. Must be scary meeting the big bad wolves on their home turf eh?" Glancing back at him where the deepest blue eyes he'd seen, maybe it was because everywhere else was so dark and they were the brightest thing to latch onto but he gaze at them and observed how light reflected off them. Luckily it wasn't completely dark, a waxing moon nearly full bathed the party in moonlight. The brief gleam gave his blue eyes a golden halo.

“These are Steele and Tempest. Although you can just call them Max and Greg." The two canines just frowned at him.

“Dude don't go giving them our tribal names! They're outsiders, and one of them isn't even an anthro." The one called Max grumbled, he was the same height as Hunter but Chase recognized him as being an older classmate, he had a brown coat with a creamy coat along his chest and muzzle.

“Yeah man, we don't go revealing your name to everyone!" Greg just whined, he was shorter than the others but made up for it by being rather heavy set. He shades of gray that gave him a uniform appearance though the ears were a hint darker.

“Really it's not big deal, I'd tell you mine but I haven't been given one yet." He shrugged.

“Probably something edgy like Shadow or Twilight, we're pretty unoriginal like that."

The pair just sighed, obviously acquiescing to the whim of the alpha in the group.

“I'm Chase Hill and this is Kyle Miller." The wolf-dog go up to them and shook their hands enthusiastically.

“H-hey what's up man. Huge fan, heard you guys are gonna try out for the football team in high school!"

“Yeah, it's gonna be a cakewalk." Max grinned looking at the smaller dog, “You thinking about trying out for the team mutt?"

So Chase's shock the wolf-dog just nodded along.

“Hell yeah, maybe I can make it in as a sub." Kyle just wagged his tail appreciatively.

“Sure you can." Greg just chuckled at the exchange.

Well if Kyle was offended maybe Chase wouldn't be as well. Fighting off the awkwardness he approached Hunter.

“So what are we doing tonight?"

---

With a wide grin Hunter pulled up something from the the ground he hadn't noticed before hand.

Is that a club or a bat?

We're gonna go to the old village, and find us a beast. Heard it's been howling at night." Hunter twirled the tool in his hand.

Chase gaped, they're gonna go to that rundown ruin outside of town at the west end, with all the old buildings and teeming with druggies, alcoholics, and what amounts to gang activity for a place like Riverton. Originally, the place had been preserved as a historic site but either due to lack of maintenance or interest had since become dilapidated. Didn't help that the environment itself was so hostile. Since then it's mostly used by the local misfits and gangs. As with most anthro heavy settlements crime is more disproportionate and even Riverton is not immune to it no matter how remote. Thankfully most of the activities were less felony and more misdemeanor in nature.

“Why? What's there?"

“Haven't you heard the rumor? They say a monster is wandering around the old lodge! We're gonna stay the night." The goofy grin he gave Chase made his heart leap a beat.

Probably the older teenagers or the local drunk, maybe if they're really unlucky they get someone more dangerous.

“Uh what gave you that idea? Maybe it's just a feral wolf or something." He reasoned.

“No way, I hear they found huge paw prints bigger than any wild animal and there were weird howling in the night."

“Are you sure it isn't just the pack doing tha-"

“What? No no! They uh don't do that there. And I think we can tell the difference between feral animal, furs, and huge freakin' monsters! Why are you trying to weasel out of going? You scared?" He looked almost disappointed.

“N-no. Did you even see or hear it? I just don't wanna waste my time."

“Pfft whatever, if you're too chicken shit we'll just go without you. Right Kyle was it?"

“Huh oh yes sir!" The wolf-dog nodded vigorously, eager to please and his tail positively helicoptering.

Not wanting to feel left out Chase reluctantly agreed. “I'll go, I'll go! I'll prove it doesn't exist!" He said with false confidence, fake or not that part of town always gave him the creeps.

He noticed that Kyle was a bit ruffled up, though whether that was hazing or friendly ribbing he didn't know. The moon was occluded again but a dense cloud, and in an instant the human was plunged in darkness once again. He took out his brick of a flip phone phone, a hand me down from his mother, and turned on its low light. It took him a bit of fumbling, doing everything by feel before he lit up the phone in the direction of a smiling Hunter, who gave him a predator grin.

Chase tried to look confident, returning the expression. He eyed the bat and as if to answer his questioning look the wolf said.

“For protection." He took a swinging pose and went through the motions- going through the motions with twist of his upper body, ears perking upward in anticipation.

The muscles on the wolf flexed and Chase blushed. Damn he's pretty fit. No doubt he's gonna join the football team as well. He was pretty jealous of how big the anthros were, most sports were always dominated by them. Less than half the population, yet most than three quarters of the most successful teams were anthros. Chas had already given up on trying for any sports, he'd be bodied if he even tried football. No, something like the drama or glee club for him- maybe even the chess club. Hunter noticed his stare but didn't seem to call him out on it. His warm fur coat meant he was only wearing a t-shirt while Chase had on a light jacket, even this darkness he could make out the silhouette of someone who worked out even if the fur did hide some definition.

After a few more swings Hunter yelled at his two fellow wolves, gesturing them to follow. Chase and Kyle followed them tentative through the park, the walk was going to take short of an hour and the pair followed the goofing trio, their tails wagging. They were talking about random things, usually about school though their interest were soon growing to encompass girls. Puberty was rearing its head and everyone's making plans for next year. Being in such a small town tends to mean that you have the same set of classmates pretty much from elementary school to graduation and expectations quickly develop.

Chase knew he was gay since elementary school, he also had a preference for anthros over other humans. Where he is raised non-humans were the norm and canines interested him especially, after all they were the most common species. He wondered if he should just come out and immediately reeled back at the thought. No way, he had heard of one fur coming out in high school and got bullied to the point he moved. He figured he was gonna either run away or stay in the closet forever. Maybe date that girl Wendy who was occasionally flirting with him in the halls between class and during lunch.

Kyle was skinny as a bean pole and Chase might've thought about flirting with him if he didn't know for an absolute fact that Kyle was a straight as they come. The wolf-dog always talked about this girl or the next and how he would impress them. Speaking of which…

He eyed the pup who was ahead of him.

“You okay? Looks like you were being roughened up."

“Oh hmm? I'm fine stop worrying about it. What do you think they'll say if I find the beast first? Heh, they might let me be part of their pack!"

Chase just rolled his eyes.

“Right… if you can find the thing. What do you care what they think anyways."

“Dude the people we know today are who we're gonna see every day for the rest of our lives. No one moves in or out of town, and I'd rather not get on the pack's bad side. Plus they're pretty cool, Max's dad owns a restaurant and Greg can totally hook us up with fireworks!"

Chase gave up, no convincing Kyle.

They walked for over an hour, periodically pausing to look around to see if anyone else is following them. The further they went the less streetlights there were and the more cobbled and run down the pavements got. Hunter would occasionally glance back at Chase making sure they were still following them. They were soon about to enter the village.

Once the path all but disappeared and the only thing that remains is a worn down grass path and dirt tracks the air of joviality died down. Hunter brought up his bat is arm level, the other two sidled up next to him.

Chase noticed that the wolves were starting to get a bit nervous. He couldn't help but grin at them, the wolf pack were a bit superstitious at times and he wondered what myths and urban legends their parents scared them with. Did they believe in werewolves? Oddly enough even Kyle was starting to quiver, tails between his legs. What's their deal?

“You guys aren't scared are ya?" He grinned.

Chase eyed the pathway to the ruins, he'd heard the stories, of how the first wolves had settled there centuries earlier. This was where they'd perform many rituals like drinking the blood of prey animals or bone readings. The path around here supposedly lead to the heart of the mountain deep into the park but there was a landslide that pretty much blocked any passageway, assuming the myths were true. The frequent tectonic activity in this area eventually drove of the wolves and they'd settled further near the river lands which became the base of the town proper. It was a surprise how big the town got that it was now within walking distance to its original settlement.

Always the skeptic- Chase held up his phone, dispelling the darkness and padded forward. The rest followed but were all unnerved. He turned back and just raised an eyebrow.

“S-shit I don't know why but my body's telling me to stay the fuck away. You hear anything Greg?" Max whimpered.

“Y-yeah I don't know what it is but I feel like I can hear something whistling and creaking." Greg whined in reply.

“Something smells off too, and it's really strong." Kyle shivered.

Ah, was it something that only they could sense? Chase eyed Hunter who while a bit phased was at least putting on a decent front, tail not completely tucked in. Sometimes having better senses only made a further more paranoid, he'd heard of some who were so overloaded with a sense that they'd become unresponsive. Maybe it was time he showed them up.

He turned his back to them and picked up the pace. Before they knew what he was doing he was already jogging up the pathway.

“Race you guys to the lodge!"

---

Feeling braver than he actually felt, the teenage boy lumbered through the grassy slope, each step the foliage grows thicker. Rubble seems to litter the entire floor, food wrappings and empty plastic cups seem to be the most prevalent. Seems like the was a popular hangout for people to eat, before the streetlight broke. That thing seems to be out of commission for a while now, the few installed during the time it was historic site painting the ruins in an eerie glow. Chase's eyes roamed ahead, only two were actually working, and they only lit a small area near the front of the village- one of them was actually flickering intermittently, it looked like the textbook definition of a clandestine meeting spot. It didn't take long for him to tire.

When the others caught up with a slight delay, less winded except for Kyle for lagged behind the furthest they were shaking less. They did sniff the air a bit and sensing whatever troubled them has passed on were more relaxed. He wondered if he what kind of beast they were looking for and what kind of sound it would make.

The air here felt more stale, and Chase couldn't but coughed at all the debris piles and half finished garbage around them. The sensation no doubt much worse for the canines, Hunter also wrinkled his nose in disgust. Sometime being human has its advantages.

'Where is the lodge anyways?" He asked to no one in particular while scanning past the shadows. Making out the silhouette of several wooden buildings, most of them just single story, Chase could tell that this place still gets the occasional visitors. Besides all the recent food wrappings, no doubt from teenagers going out here to eat and hang out there are also fresh prints on the ground of varying sizes.

One of the other wolves, Greg or Max audibly rasped.

“Jesus fuck this place reeks, smells like a zombie horde had an orgy." The other also agreed readily.

Kyle eager to offer assistance, mumbled out, “I think it's the trees, must be ginkgo or the smelly pear trees. I think I remember reading about the uhh wolf village, out of curiosity. I heard they planted these after the place became abandoned, was a gift from some human ambassador and the mayor just dumped them here."

“Some fucking gift, remind me to never move to the cities. They always find some excuse to fuck with anthros." The tall one, Max seemed to glare at Chase as if though he were the one to did it.

The boy was un-phased and just started back. He'd heard about such practices of course, even heard of places installing high frequency towers to stop furs from moving into certain areas or using color patterns that disorient predator species. If humans were good at one thing, it's being passive aggressive and sadistic.

Somehow the wolf blinked first and turn away, grumbling about something incomprehensible.

“L-let's just leave, this place is as anti-sniffers as it gets." Kyle reasoned.

“Heh if you think smelly trees are gonna stop me think again." Hunter brushed past everyone and gestured to the uneven slope ahead. Eyes determined and ears perked at the ready. While mostly flat, the terrain got more irregular the further away from the center it gets. “If anything, that just makes me more curious. Maybe they're hiding something super secret here." He pointed with his bat while the other hand was pinching his nose.

Reluctantly the other canids agree, padding along their leader. They made a beeline for the path leading uphill, ignoring all the other buildings and also avoiding the lights. One of them snagged on a branch and jumped with a squeak. The rest just laughed at him after their hearts stopped pumping. Thankfully the higher they got the less persistent the smell became. As the party crested the hill they could barely make out the shape of a long building that had two floors and shaped like a U and uniform in simplicity. A little run down but clearly this was the most well preserved building, formerly being a historic site and all. There are still hints of the restorations done, anachronistic accents and paint jobs that just seem to bring out the odd contrast in the lodge, one of the doors was opened though with the bolts broken- leaving the elements to accelerate the decay around that entrance.

“Look for foot prints, let's split up." Hunter ordered, directing the wolf pair and Kyle the direction of the lodge. The trio clambered away looking almost scared. Chase was about to split up too when he felt the slightly taller wolf's paw on his shoulders. “You're with me little one."

“I ain't little, you're not much taller than me."

“Heh, maybe but I'm still the tallest in class- if you don't count that transfer giraffe. And us furs grow bigger and for longer than you humans. My dad didn't stop growing til he was twenty-three and my uncle didn't til he was twenty-four!"

“Did you mean vertically or horizontally?" That earned him an elbow, albeit not too hard.

“You really aren't scared to of us huh? Not many people backtalk the pack members."

“I am, I'm just good at hiding it. And you're not like the rest of them." The boy grinned back, clutching his stomach.

“Why do you think that?"

“Well you're hanging out with me for starters."

“… maybe I'm just using you as bait."

“I'd make terrible bait, not much meat on these bones. I don't think any predator would want to eat me."

“Oh you've got enough meat alright..."

Chase nearly fumbled, he couldn't tell if Hunter was being flirty or was just being literal. He could never quite tell with the black wolf. Not wanting to get into a misunderstanding he just continued his fruitless search.

As per usual, he finds more food litter. They are definitely more prevalent here, more likely this was where most of the skulkers went out to eat and the trash just blew all over town, since everywhere else smelled like a gay orgy. He could see the appeal of this place, somewhere the authority wouldn't come and yet was still close to town without being in town.

“Why'd you pick me anyways?" Chase wondered aloud.

The lumbering silhouette behind the boy was silent for several seconds before responding.

“Dunno, first time I heard about you was from my uncle. He was complaining about the annoying 'bitch', his word not mine, that would come to the pack pubs and flirt with them. When she got drunk he'd sometimes come in to break things up and haul her home. He'd talk about how you were always there alone, probably a drug baby."

“Hah, yeah ok! I'm doing just fine thank you very much. Mabel and I are raised by our grandmother, honestly it's easier to just to not have her around."

Hunter just shrugged. “Honestly I just was curious, just to see if the rumors were true ya know? And you look pretty normal, maybe a bit scrawny, not much going on socially too. And then there's the smell you always have-"

“Haha real funny." Chase grumbled. “And that somehow got you to pick me? Cuz I'm vulnerable and easy to pick on?"

“Nope. I think you're the bravest person I know." Hunter replied without a hint of sarcasm.

“Huh? Really?" That caught him off guard.

“You live in a town where everyone is bigger than you, your mom's a nutcase and that doesn't phase you. And you just don't give a fuck what the pack thinks…" That last part seemed to make him droop.

“I uh thanks." He blushed a bit at the compliment. “Well you are hanging out with me so you must at least no care what they think too."

“Max and Greg are such tools, they'd listen to anything I say. Probably thinks I'm gonna be the next alpha or some bullshit. They won't tell the others." Hunter grumbled.

“Is it so bad? Being liked for being stronger or bigger? I wish I could be bigger."

Instead of pretending to not care, ignoring everything can be exhausting.

“Sure, if you just want people to like you because of who you are. None of them even know me. I love comic books, superhero, and sci-fi stuff, but they don't seem to notice at all." Hunter groused.

“You a book geek?" Chase almost chuckled, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

“What? Just because I've got muscles doesn't mean I'm not into books." He posed with the bat behind his head, his arms resting on either side of the support in a half flexed pose.

Chase drank in the view, but was quick to recover. “Not really into superheroes but I love Sci-Fi and Fanasty. Have you read Dune or Hyperion?"

“Uh no, have you read Legion?"

“No what's that?"

“Oh it's like this first book in the Chaos Agency series..."

The pair rambled on for what seemed like hours wandering about dense foliage, seemingly oblivious to their surrounded until they caught the sound of rustling leaves.

They stood paralyzed almost praying it wasn't the beast until they were greeted with the trio, the two wolves looking absolutely bored now rather than scared.

“Dude we're gonna bail, this place stinks and its been over an hour. You coming? We're gonna go order something to eat." Max asked, obviously tired and just done with the place.

“Yeah yeah you guys go on ahead, we'll catch up." Hunter almost shooed the pair away.

“Kyle you gonna stay-"

“Oh sorry Chase, kinda hungry. I think I'm gonna get out with them." Kyle waved good bye and turned to follow the duo. He tried to put his arms around the wolves' necks and was immediately shoved off. He played it off jokingly and follow. They quickly disappeared down the hill, past the pulsing street light and away from the village.

“Wanna check the lodge? See if they missed anything?" Chase inquired.

“Knowing those scaredy pups, they probably just ran in and out." Hunter mused. “Come on let's go!"

Hunter put a finger to his lips in a silencing gesture as they neared the entrance. The human was about to say something when they heard moaning sounds. That shut what thought he had real quick.

Curious, the pair slowly entered the building, making their way deeper into the lodge but staying on the carpet to avoid any creaking wood. Out of the corner of his eye Chase noticed some takeouts stashed to the corner of the room, gone cold at this point. They did not want to make any noise. Now however they could clearly hear voices.

“Shit I thought those kids would never leave, my back hurts from hiding in the closet." A gruff voice grunted.

“Me neither, now you gonna fuck me or you gonna keep yapping? I haven't had your cock in me for two whole days!" Another masculine voice rumbled back.

Now the noises were getting louder.

“Wha- are they-" Hunter gaped, he was about to ask the obvious when they both heard the sounds of two men going to town on each other. Very loudly. The whole lodge was creaking and the noisy couple was only just getting started. Chase was blushing but he watched Hunter who was paralyzed and noticed the wolf's bulge growing.

Well shit, guess we know what sound the beast was making.

---

“Uhm..." The pair looked at each other awkwardly. Hunter looked down and gape, finally realizing his tenting erection and cupped himself frantically.

“Woah, are you hard?" Chase asked, half shocked half excited, if he had a tail he'd be wagging it.

“Shh! I'm not, it's just hormones." The wolf protested rather weakly, hands immediately clasping his junk. It's a good thing the wolf had black fur, otherwise he'd be visibly blushing. Getting caught has somewhat deflated the tenting bulge, but then Hunter looked down to see Chase was also aroused, somehow the mutual reaction gave the wolf back his wind. All the while the moaning and creaking grew in volume.

“You're hard too aren't you?" He eased back, appearing more confident than he felt. Chase only froze like a deer in the headlights. But he soldiered on, firing back at the wolf.

“Too? S-so you are hard huh? You l-like guys?" Stammering out.

“What? No! M-maybe, I don't know! L-look this is our secret okay? You rat me out, I'll do the same! And I'm like waayy more popular than you." He gave a nervous but cheeky grin. “Who say's they'll believe you anyways?"

“W-well I don't have anything to lose, you totally do. Rumors have a way of spreading, especially when it's you Mr. Future Alpha." He weakly responded. “B-but I'll keep it a secret if you do too. Deal?"

“D-deal!" Hunter immediately grasped Chase's hand like a life preserver. “And stop with that alpha crap, there are like a half dozen other stronger candidates ahead of me. You really know jack about pack dynamics." He turned to a more familiar subject for comfort.

The pair settled to a peaceful silence, well what passed for that.

Creak creak.

“Fuck your dick's so big! Faster man, tie knot in me!" One voice chorused.

“Damn bitch you're tight, could've sworn I stretched your gaping hole out real good last time. You better not pass out like last time!" The deeper voice growled and the pounding got louder.

Both aroused and curious the pair tried to get a closer look, who were they? No one either recognized but obviously one of them was a wolf. The voice was coming from the large room at the center of the U shaped lodge. They from the far left entrance down one long hallway, and just before the bend they found stairs leading to the upstairs balcony. Both navigated to the second floor, all the while sporting half erections and acting on instinct more than anything else. The lodge was structured so it's second floor was like a gallery overlooking the first floor. The railings and flooring remained intact- the elements did not invade this far in. Trash still strewn the place, and they look more recent. There are also many stains of unknown disposition spattering the walls and furniture. Hunter sniffed a wet spot and shuddered.

“Gross don't do that." He whispered.

“What? I've smell worse, one time in the woods me and the pack were hunting and there were animal -" The wolf caught himself and just hissed back. “Stop getting to the talk!"

“You're just volunteering information!" Chase whispered back.

The pounding and moaning was getting more intense. The couple were practically shouting with a care in the world. Crouching behind some low cabinet Chase slowly edged up, hands on the railing. He peered down and watched with rapt attention. The couple was a canine anthro and a human! The black dog was a rottweiler and he was going to town on the smaller man. The canid was tall, almost a foot taller than the human, who Chase guessed was probably average height. The scene before him burned into his mind, and Chase knew he would be jerking off to it when he got home.

On the edge of his vision he saw an equally captivated Hunter, his tenting member slowly reappearing. The pair watched a mirror of themselves from the upper deck. The dog was going as a blistering pace, ramming the man roughly while drool flew from his jowls. They both looked to be in their late 20's or early 30's, and going at it like hormonal teenagers. They were talking dirty and moaning in bliss.The sound of testicles slapping bare rump joining the raunchy cacophony.

Chase could only stare at the lewd mating display as the big rottweiler went for a deep kiss, his large flat tongue delving deep into the moaning man, arresting his breathing and almost invading his throat. With practiced ease the dog explored the man's mouth, the outline of his huge tongue bulging at the cheeks left and right with fervor. After going at it like that for nearly a minute the rottie pulled out, a trail of spit still connecting their tongues. All the while his pace was constant and merciless, grinding into the man and battering his entrance as that big knot tried to breach his defense.

For minutes the big dog pounded away, the human's erection turgid and unattended. It swayed and slapped the man's stomach every time his ass was being pounded.

“You ready for the knot pup?" He growled a deep bass.

“Oh god, put it in me you fucking stud." The human panted between labored breaths, his chest rising and falling like a bike pump from the exertion his poor body was going through, his expression however says he didn't mind the rough treatment. His cock was equally eager and throbbed as it was being stroked by the bigger male.

Chase just continued to stare, he was beyond aroused but was also too scared to act on his boner. This felt like a bottle episode or a bad porno. The set- old lodge in the middle of an abandoned village, the small cast and the really cheesy if arousing dialogue. Oh it was dramatic alright, and there are definitely some deep exploration going on. He slowly turned his head, with great effort tearing away from the hottest scene of his life and eyed Hunter.

The wolf was hypnotized, he was even drooling. Chase bet he could even smell the sex from here, and wondered if male wolf arousal got to him the way females in heat did for straight wolves, not that Hunter wasn't straight or anything. He did notice the poor wolf was tugging at his pants the hint of a wet spot appearing. He was about to fondle himself when he stared back at Chase, head suddenly turning. Their eyes locked gazes and as if by some invisible force their heads inched closer. Chase was getting drawn into those deep blue eyes, the start contrast with the black fur only making it more striking. The two were caught in a tide of emotions, instincts and teenage hormones. Like a mirror of the tableau below them, man and canine desperate for one another's touch. Inching closer and closer.

Chase could smell his breath, he was breathing so raggedly that he could see vapors in the chilly spring air. He watched as that wolfish maw drew closer to his flat one, the tongue seemingly dancing closer to his lips. Almost trying to mimic the rottweiler, but then Hunter thought better of it and withdrew the tongue.

Their faces were an inch away from each other when a loud roar shook both of them, jolting them from their reverie.

“FUUUCCKKK!" The couple below them howled in unison.

Chase could almost hear the sound of the rottie unloading into the human, the wet noises were going to be engraved in his mind for a long time. The rottweiler had apparently knotted the human, body visibly quivering and spasming in ecstasy, his tail more shaking than wagging. The human was audibly swearing and convulsing. Holy shit, the rottweiler had his muzzle around the humans cock while knot deep in him! Damn are dogs flexible. Both teens tried to settle back down from the railings, avoiding any chance of being seen as the pair were growing quieter. They couldn't make out what the two were whispering about but the sound of passionate kissing and nibbling resumed. The chill of the air suddenly returning, the heat of the passion lost.

Soon the noise died down and it was just silence and low breaths. Some nocturnal appears chirped and squeaked in the distance, a dreadful peace settled.

Chase gulped. O_h crap if we move now they can hear us._ Now in some ironic twist they are in the same position their counterparts were in earlier. He just gazed at Hunter, who returned with an equally concerned look. Their held hands tightly as their heart beat in time. It was going to be a slow night.

In silence the two waited, holding their breath and muscles locked in place, starting to feel sore. Chase was too afraid to take out his phone silently cursing to himself for not recording the hot scene. He was thankful it was set to silent, he did not want his grandmother to check up on him now of all times. The wolf on the other hand was ready for anything, his hand gripping his bat in case they ever get discovered. He hoped it wouldn't come to that, all things considered it had been a magical evening. He almost kiss Hunter, and it seems the feeling was at least mutual. Not to mention the hot sex they witnessed forged a bond neither were going to forget, like accomplices to a crime.

They must've waited over twenty minutes when they heard a blaring sound in the distance. Sirens.

Oh god, come on! Now it's starting to feel like a fucking soap opera.

- - - - -

“Fuck! What the hell are cops doing here?" The rottweiler shouted. Chase heard a growl and a grunt, followed by shuddering moans, more of pain than pleasure.

“Dude that hurts, don't pull out like that without telling me!" The man whined in pain.

“Not now, hurry up and get dressed. We're getting the fuck out of here! And take the " There were sounds of clothes rustling and belts jingling.

Chase turned to Hunter in haste and could tell the wolf was shaking in fear. They were both afraid of getting caught but Hunter had a real panicked look that seems to belie something deeper. They didn't do anything wrong, maybe trespassing- but being voyeurs isn't exactly illegal. He gripped the nervous pup and tried to shake him awake. All the while the couple downstairs were already bolting in one direction, their pool of mess still evident on the floor.

“Hunter snap out of it." He slapped the black wolf til he was shaken out of his trance. Still gripped with fear but more animated now.

“W-we need to get out of here, I can't get caught!" He yelped, tails nearly between his legs as curled as it could get. His ears however were upturn and perked, trying to catch the hint of any sound. The only overwhelming noise was that of the siren, blaring and drowning out most other noises. Chase held the wolf close until he was more or less settled, his own mind racing of what to do. He didn't know why Hunter would be so fretful but he did not want to get caught either.

As quickly as he could, he release his grip from the warm ball of fluff, almost regretting it. The wolf was very soft and idly thought if he could try petting him when they got out of this situation. Slowly he rose but immediately shot back down when the form of the rottweiler and human came back to the main room.

“Why the hell is the other exit bolted shut?" The human grumbled, his brisk pace needlessly making creaking noises.

“No idea but I ain't staying around to find out. We gonna split up right? Meet you at the usual place?" The rottweiler tersely responded.

“Yeah yeah. Let's split up at the exit, you circling around? I'll go through the woods since you're faster and I can hide more easily."

“Yeah you humans are too damn slow. I'll distract them, half those pigs are so fat if we're lucky they might give up before chasing me. Make sure you clean up, our noses are pretty damn sensitive. The last time you..." they trailed off as they hauled away towards the entrance, thankfully ignoring the stairs or even just turnings their heads. Well it seems this lodge has only one entrance and by the sound of things they were cutting it close.

Chase ran towards the windows, from the second floor and on a building on a hill he could see pretty much everything in the village below. Scanning frantically, his eyes fell upon what he could make out to be a police car. Thankfully the cops couldn't drive all the way into the village, they had parked near the still working streetlights, any further would be impossible due to the terrain and irregular layout, the path that once circled to the hill having been blocked due to a landslide. What wasn't good however was that two lumbering figures, most likely anthros were making a beeline for the lodge.

From this angle he guessed that they would be seen if they ran from that entrance and sure enough one of the cops had caught sight of the rottweiler just as they cross the hill and see the lodge. The big dog was already bolting, the other figure however stood around a bit, almost trying to catch for strays. Chase ran back across the balcony to the windows on the opposite side of the lodge and saw only dense foliage stretching out to the horizon. He could barely make out the silhouette of the human who took the distracting the rottweiler gave him to melt into the shadows, his progress slow but already disappearing in the dense forest canopy. Anyone trying to explore this part would no doubt be lost unless they knew where they were going.

“Shit I don't think we can leave from the entrance without being seen." His mind was already working in overtime, he wasn't as afraid of getting caught like Hunter- the golden boy has probably never been real trouble before due to his pack connections. He had his fair share of run ins due to his mom. Depending on who the officers were they might even get away scott-free. Hunter however wasn't having any of it.

“Oh god, what-do-we-do what-do-we-do! He cannot find me here!" He ran towards the windows and shook at them and could visibly pale when he could tell it had a window cage. He nearly started to break down again.

“Calm down, the bottom windows are shut but the top isn't shut. This is crazy, we're on the second floor you know!" Chase gave the hysterical pup a light smack.

Hunter immediately padded up the window, trying his hardest to climb up the little hand hold it had. What little footrest was available though wasn't enough and his bare feet was scraping at the windows, causing scratches at the glasses. He was inches away from unlocking the top window his fingers trying to find the latch. All the while they could hear shouting in the distance, one of the officers telling someone to halt. The other one no doubt seconds from entering the lodge.

Chase thankfully, quick on his feet found the bat and positioned it horizontal to the windows, two pairs of hooks were conveniently place where the curtains would've went for the lower half.

“Stand on this!" He guided the foot to the bat and just now realizing the wolf had on some sort of open toe shoes or sandals for canines. The furious wagging tail drew his attention back to Hunter, who gave a hopeful yip when the top window opened outward, and angled upward. With a groan Hunter looked down at Chase and motioned for him to follow.

“Chase, get up! Come on!" He was filled with adrenaline and stretched out his hand.

“Okay okay, but get out first. I'm more limber than you, you're gonna need help pushing through that opening." He reassured the wolf, doubtful he would make it in time.

“Alright, but you're gonna need to push!" The ball of fluff and muscle managed to fit his top half out the opening before being stuck. “Erm a little help." He whined cutely, the tinge of panic never quite leaving him.

The human eyed the wolfs backsides, ogling at the rump that was already quite toned for his age. He did not hesitate or need any further encouragement to touch them and help push the pup. The hands found purchase on two sturdy hard glutes and was responded to by an excitedly wagging tail. Chase gave several hard shoves while the wolf slowly edged upward, all the way scratching at the glasses. He might've overdone it because in the next moment the wolf flopped all the way out and tumbled two stories off the edge and disappeared into the foliage with a crunch and a thud.

He winched at the sound the fall made, and tried and see if the wolf was okay but couldn't see anything. The boy took a short exhale and was about to follow. But then he saw all the scratches at the window and knew anyone with a brain would tell immediately where they were exiting. He took the bat back and went to town on the windows. Smashing them to smithereens proved difficult, they were quite sturdy- some kind of shoddy wired glass that meant they wouldn't fall down even when broken. But that wasn't what he was trying to do, he continued to smash the glasses, he just needed to get rid of the evidence before-.

“Stop." A low growl rumbled behind him and Chase immediately stilled. The siren had masked the noise of the footfalls but he could recognize that voice anywhere. He had listened to it on several occasions whenever he had to follow his grandmother to the station to haul their mom away. He had heard that voice when they get a house visit and the wolf would throw snide remarks at him. Of all the fucking cops that could've shown up it had to be him.

Chase gulped and then turned around. “Hello Brock." He eyed the imposing figure of possibly the largest wolf in Riverton, almost seven and a half foot tall, the alpha of the Riverton pack and Hunter's uncle.

“It's Officer Howle to you boy." He said in a low cool tone. Besides all the other infrequent visits he paid a visit to Chase the boy also saw him from all the recent flyers going on, planning to run for Sheriff. The massive wolf had powerful arms and a strong physique, but Chase could tell whatever personal affairs was going on had put a toll on him too. He had bags under his eyes, his furs were slightly unkempt, and he had also gone on a binge because the dark gray wolf had packed on nearly eighty pounds in just fat alone over the past year.

“What the fuck are you doing here? You're trespassing on private grounds. Shouldn't you be watch that whore of a woman you call your mother?" He grumbled, annoyed at seeing the tiny human. He eyed the wrecked windows, thinking that he had caught the human before he could escape. Chase however was only glad the shattered glasses hid any sign of scratches.

He didn't really have any personal connection with the senior officer, who was maybe in his fifties by now. Their brief interactions were always via his mother, and they were always hostile but never violent. Now however there was a charged stillness in the air, as if though the privacy of their location allowed the officer to be more hostile. Chase tensed back and gripped the bat behind him.

The officer padded around the stairway and then sniffed the air, wrinkling his nose . He turned and leaned over the railing, his gut pushing against the wooden frames. He stared down and froze, eyes trained on the spot where the two couples had intercourse. He gave a look of utter disgust and trained his eyes on Chase.

“You a fucking tail-raiser for canines too? Shit kid, like mother like son." He approached him with a look of contempt. But then he noticed something else, the boy was holding something in his hand. A weapon? He took out his gun and immediately bark. “Hands the fuck up."

Chase immediately raised both arms up, he had never seen the wolf this hostile before and was afraid for his life. “D-don't shoot it's just a baseball bat." He dropped it immediately and almost jolted at the bonk it made when it hit the ground.The wolf probably thought he was trying to break the windows and make a break for it, but got caught before he could exit.

The massive wolf still had his trigger train on the kid, apparently taking some sadistic joy in making him squirm- making he'll make the boy wet his pants before taking him to the station. There were always calls of hearing shouts in this place that he had no choice but to finally pay it a visit, at least he would have someone to show for it. Howle walked languidly towards the frightened youth, enjoying that scent of fear. He always loved it when he got to flex his power at the non-wolves. But then he looked down at the bat and a hint recognition dawned on him.

Slowly he put his gun back and picked up the bat. Chase couldn't tell but the wolf was turning the bat around orienting it parallel to the ground. He gaped as he saw the signature on the bottom.

Property of Hunter Howle.

Immediately Brock lunged at the kid and dragged him down the stairs. The boy was kicking and tried to shout but his back was hitting each step, knocking the wind out of him. He tried to get in a word edgewise but a kick knocked the breath out of him.

“What the hell are you doing with my nephews bat?" He hissed.

“S-sir he gave it to me, we're friends." He wheezed, suddenly very afraid for his life.

“Where is he! Is this why I couldn't find him all day!?" He hissed, his hand gripped Chase by the scruff of his neck, dragging him around the room. He probably tried to sniff around for Hunter but the smell of sex still lingered in the air.

“Did you fuck him you faggot!?" The wolf's grip tighten around his jacket, cutting his airway off.

“That boy better not be some fucking tail-raiser, I swear I'm gonna discipline him again. Bad enough his fucking dad had to disappear off the map. Now he leaves me with a fairy for a nephew!" Chase was turning blue at his pound and he clawed at his neck. The lupine officer hurled him across the floor and into the puddle of cold wetness. The officer edged closer, hostile intent written all over his face. He was huffing now, eyes seeing red and was breathing heavily. But then pause. He sniffed the air again and almost regained some sense of clarity.

“No this isn't Hunter." He sniffed again, disgusted he had to inhale this putrid air but did so again. “Smell like an older male, a canine… but not a wolf." Somehow that mollified him more than anything else. Brock visibly relaxed and almost returned to his previous if only slightly less hostile state, a level of calmness returning to him. The cop still held a venomous glare in his eyes and bounded towards Chase, a promise of pain.

“My bad faggot. Must've been fun having a dog fuck you huh? He must be a real pedo to go after someone so young." The elder Howle said it almost nonchalantly. Face like placid water as he tested the bat around playfully.

“That was your fault, stealing someone else's belonging. I'd be willing to overlook it but you're gonna have to pay a price." He just continued on in even tone, while readying himself in a batter's stance.

“What'd you want broken?" He asked.

“W-wha?" Chase numbly replied, the blood in his veins like ice.

“You stole from my nephew and you think you're going to get away scott-free? No, no no."

The boy recoiled, slipping off the puddle and edged til he hit the fireplace. The wolf's practiced calm suddenly faded and once in a single lunge closed the distance between both of them. He swung the head down to the floor and in a low hiss uttered.

“You're like this is just a warning kid, now take your punishment like a good boy."

Chase was on the verge of crying, he hadn't done so in years and now his confidence was breaking. He couldn't saying anything from all the hyperventilating he was doing, as if though his body was priming itself for the eventually of a broken limb. He tried to beg and plead but that only made his whimpering more incomprehensible. Watching in cold terror as the face of the wolf grinned down at him, fangs showing in a Cheshire like smile. All teeth.

He could see the wolf just raising it above it hand, ready to deliver the blow-

“Hey Howle! The other one got away, any one on your end?" The voice a bright clarion call that shattered the moment.

The wolf immediately hid the bat and within the span of seconds, what passed for a convivial expression donned his face. The wolf still had a somewhat ragged look though. He took one last time to whisper into Chase's ears. “You stay the fuck away from Hunter or I will end you personally. I'm gonna be watching you real close from now on boy. This will be our little secret got it?" The wolf cuffed his hand to his back, thankfully they were on the large side so it didn't really hurt.

And like that he shouted. “Got one, the crazy woman's kid!" He dragged the boy out the main room and towards the exit, across the long hallway.

Out of the corner Chase saw the visage of his savior. The friendly face of a Saint Bernard appeared. It was Sal, the friendly dog was always nice to him whenever he they met at the station and it remained so now. He gave an exaggerated wave with a goofy smile.

“Oh hey kid, you know you shouldn't be here. Gonna have to bring you up to the station for your grandma to pick up. Or is your mom gonna be there this time?" He gave a lighthearted chuckled.

“Hah, this is the first time you're in the hot seat!" He eyed the kid and could see real terror in his eyes. “Aw don't worry boy, this is a misdemeanor at most. And you being this young? It'll be expunged! I don't think we even have to write you -"

“No no we have to stick to procedure, no one is above the law Salvator." The wolf only said in a formal tone.

“Oh stop that, you can just call me Sal, Brock." The Saint Bernard wasn't as tall as Hunter but he was clearly in better shape and almost as wide where it counted. The boy was only thankful that Sal was his partner this night, if it had been another wolf that belong in the pack..." He shuddered at the thought.

The pair dragged him outside the lodge, they were obviously done exploring because they went in the direction of the patrol car.

“I'll warm up a cup of hot chocolate when we're at the station, you're obviously a nervous wreck. You kids coming round here on a dare or something?" The large pup quipped playfully. It was only when they got to the patrol car that the Saint Bernard thumbed his nose.

“Ugh I hate this place. It always seem like fish!" Apparently the boy was lucky that the big dog never got close enough to smell the drips of semen he fell on, and now it was blocked by the rank and odorous trees.

Thank you mister ambassador.

He held his reservations though, the bigger danger still knew and he was pretty sure the only reason he wasn't outed was because the larger wolf took some pleasure in holding it over him or maybe because he said he was Hunter's friend. That seemed doubtful, was this the reason Hunter was so scared? He was going to have to ask… carefully. No it was more likely the wolf thought the boy had been raped by a pedo-dog and he was taking some sadistic pleasure in not offering to helping him.

They rounded to Brock's patrol car, and in some form of slight revenge the boy rubbed his cum soaked shorts on the headlights when Brock circled around to the driver's seat, very eager to leave the rancid place.

“Watch your head now." Sal gingerly cupped his head and slid him to the back of the car before taking his place at the front next to Brock. The motor turned on and slowly the car turned around to position itself at the entrance of the village.

The last thing Chase saw as the vehicle spun around were the empty hills and that looming lodge. He hoped Hunter was safe.

***

It had been a fun time reminiscing the events of that night, one of his happiest and scariest days of his life. Chase has been doing a little bit of exploring since leaving the diner, first to the restroom to relieve himself then around the first few blocks around the locale. Careful not to stray too far or go too deep into town. There were certainly new sights to see, a tiny tourist shop had even popped up.

Chase had remembered the following day when Hunter was sporting a cast from falling down. He told his uncle that he had broken it trying practicing for football tryouts. How that lie passed muster he had no idea. Chase on the other hand had been in the station for an hour before his worried grandmother pick him up. Scolding at him and telling him to not be like his mother. He had broken down and cried in her arm that night, the tension from the day's events finally catching up to him. His excuse for going to the village was that he was on some stupid dare, and the elder Howle hadn't contradicted that.

It had been close to 10 when Chase finally decided to give up on circling the same blocks over and over again. He had done his fair share of exploration and went back to the hotel. He took each step shakily, dreading the thought of the elder Howle being there.

Figuring he couldn't sleep on the street and that he wouldn't be recognize even if he did see him the actor gathered his strength and just strolled up to the Arcadia. He of course decided against the shortcut, in case he'd meet Hunter or Brock in his car. It was a surprise to be sure seeing him again and the thought of those two so close together almost drove him away again. No no, Hunter is most likely gone. Whatever business he had with the female seemed urgent and he was no doubt gone by now.

He pulled up his hoodie and donned his shades. Carefully the man at least reached the hotel front. He hid behind one of the walls and eyed the insides of the hotel.

Chase grinned at the sight of the sleeping Alex, that Labrador really needs an assistant. Slowly he opened the door, careful not to trigger the jingling. He'd been afraid to spot Hunter, no doubt he would recognize who he was sober. Thinking back to their brief exchange he had realized how big the wolf had gotten. He might be as tall or even taller than Brock now, and for one thing didn't let himself go.

He got up the stairs and made a beeline toward his room, making it back inside without any trouble. He'd just about had enough chance meetings for one day.

Chase made a halfhearted attempt at cleaning himself and brushed his teeth before slumping to bed, melting into the comfortable sheets. There was a brief period where the man tried to fall asleep. When that failed he took out his phone and checked out a few websites. That took another thirty minutes and before he knew it it was 11. Then tossing and turning for another ten or so minutes just for good measure. It is just too quiet.

With a huff he pushed open his sheets and decided to just try masturbating, maybe a little self exploration would tire him out. Getting in the mood however proved difficult, his mind just too busy to think about sex.

Eventually Chase would drift off to sleep, one hand gripping his limp member and the other on his phone, still searching for something to jerk off to.