Dressed like normal, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents (although they were far from anything that a regular human would consider "normal") the men of the Luna Brotherhood led their prisoners out of Betty Van Rosenberg's residence and toward their waiting vehicles, a pair of nondescript vans with tinted windows to prevent anyone from seeing within them.
"Listen fellows," began Alyssa Cooper in a low voice. "Please. This is important. I honestly didn't know Julie Stovall was an escaped prisoner fleeing Moon Lake on Statute 1A charges. I saw her walking down the road hitchhiking on my way to the Seattle Airport and, since I do know her, offered her a ride. But she only told me that she was running away from home. I knew absolutely nothing about her escape, let alone the fact she might have killed someone doing so."
If any of the Luna Brotherhood was listening, let alone even cared, they gave no sign of it as they drew near their vehicles.
"Please. I have to be back at work in California by Monday morning, and very few people down there know I'm a were-mermaid," added Alyssa.
The procession didn't stop until they reached their vans, but at least one among them had been listening.
"Beta Two," said a man, standing near Julie Stovall.
"Yes Beta One*," replied the one called.
"I shall radio ahead to notify the Council, but take Prisoner Cooper directly back to the Moon Lake Elders', for her situation needs to be expedited if she told the truth about her living status."
"I did," swore Alyssa. "Does this mean I'm free to go?"
"No. Only that under the circumstances, you shall face justice first," snarled Beta One. Then he turned back to face Beta Two. "Tell our Alpha and the Elders that we are following procedures with Prisoner Stovall and shall be back by dark."
Beta Two simply nodded, knowing what that meant, but unhappy that he wouldn't be part of the proceedings.
"Yes sir," replied Beta Two, before leading Cooper and his team away to the other vehicle.
"Err... what happens to me?" asked Julie Stovall, who until now had remained silent.
Although still in their human forms, every werewolf present could smell the prisoner's fear and the fact that she had already soiled herself at least one since being led outside.
"We shall cover our tracks and make sure you get what's coming to you," said Beta One with a smile, as Julie started wetting herself again.
MEANWHILE...
Happy that he had beaten his daughter at her own (video) game, not knowing that she might have let him win, Benton Knight was about to go back to his study when his cellphone rang.
After seeing who was calling, Benton answered it. "Hello dad. Where are you?"
"Just outside of Moon Lake," replied Anton Knight. "We were stopped at some checkpoint. Having not been in the country in years, we've fallen off the Were Alert System, but what's this about a rogue were on the loose? Is everyone all right?"
"We're okay, but it's a long story. Just come straight to the estate and I'll explain everything when you and mother get here," promised Benton.
"Provided they haven't changed all the roads since we were here last, we should be there in about 20 minutes. See you soon," said Anton, before hanging up and resuming driving.
"Okay you three," began Amanda Knight, looking at the furry trio sitting on the floor. "You probably already heard the conversation, but Frieda's grandparents will be here soon, and I think proper introductions should be made completely dressed."
The three of them looked at Mrs. Knight, and then at each other.
Do we have to? thought the white furred werepanther with a slight touch of brown on top of his head that was also Eric Anderson. I love being furry!
Me too, thought his girlfriend Spencer Lawson, a black furred were-wolf/panther/cat hybrid.
My grandparents haven't seen me since I was a newborn. It'd be for the best. Besides, we'll have a hard enough time explaining our unique relationship to them as it is, thought Eric's other mate Frieda Knight, a gray furred werepanthress with russet highlights because of her naturally red hair.
Without a second thought and having no concerns about nudity whatsoever, the trio instantly defurred and started getting dressed in front of Frieda's parents.
Thinking that the children should have at least gone somewhere private to change and get dressed, Amanda just shook her head and left the room.
But once the trio was alone, Spencer said aloud, "Say guys, did we just do what I think we did?"
"You mean pick up and respond to each other's thoughts?" asked Eric in return, looking dumbfounded at the two ladies in his life.
Does this mean our bond together is growing stronger? thought Frieda, looking at her friends and lovers.
"Yes!" answered Eric and Spencer aloud, in unison.
Frieda's only response was tears of joy as she hugged her companions.
Yin, Yang, and Whole were now more complete than ever before!
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*Betas are team leaders, ranked in order of seniority, but all answerable to their Alpha.—tmw.