Alex sighed as she pulled her shirt over her head, her run around the borders had taken longer than she had hoped. Her limbs felt weighed down, and the pounding echoing in her head wasn’t helping, it took all of her energy and strength to make it to the back sliding doors.

Ring, Alex felt her chest tighten with every ring, “Hello?” Alex mumbled into her phone as she turned and took a seat on one of the deck chairs.

“Hi, this is Chief Abbers from Peak County police.” Alex feels her body brace against the groan trying to force its way out, “Is this Beta Alex of the Blue River pack?”

“Yeah…how can I help you?”

“I'm calling to schedule a meeting with you so we can get better acquainted, it's kind of a tradition,” the Chief mumbles a bit begrudgingly.

“Not a tradition you like?” 

“No, I enjoy it it's just the…”

“Looks,” Alex offers, a tinge of annoyance seeping in.

“No, our town was built on humans and werewolves coexisting hell a good portion of our population are hybrids. It's just a group of wolves have been roaming around town, they haven't done anything to warrant hostility legally,” Alex felt her brow wrinkle as a growl rumbled through her chest, “I'm not suggesting-”

“I know. You do realize that under werewolf law my pack and yours share that land that your town is on meaning you have the right to kick any werewolf that is not in or of our packs for any reason you see fit and if they refuse you have the right to protect our land. We have a right to protect our land,” Alex growls, her voice raising louder than intended.

“Yes, I do. That is why I am scheduling a meeting, we need to be able to communicate with each other. That means me being able to communicate with both alpha and betas. I've already established a relationship with Alpha Vanessa and Beta Ollie and now I want to establish a relationship with you. Is lunch at Murni's tomorrow okay?”

Alex shook her head, a smirk spreading to her lips, “I think I'm going to like you Chief Abbers, lunch sounds great.”

“Call me Bayley and thank you…for caring.”

“You’re thanking me for caring about my pack?” Alex chuckles, “It's my job and privilege to care for all members of the Blue River pack, including the human ones.”

“Alex?” Vanessa whispers to the blurry figure her sleep-addled mind is unable to register.

“Shh, go back to bed,” the figure whispers stepping into the room, quietly closing the door behind them. Vanessa sat up at the figure’s approach, her nose twitching with her fevered sniffing. “It’s me,” Alex smiles turning the lights on long enough for Vanessa to register it was her before flicking them off.

“What are you doing in here? Why didn't you find me?”

“Sorry, nightly patrol ran late then Chief Abbers called can I sleep in here with you?” Alex asks stopping short of the edge of the bed.

“Y-yeah,” Vanessa nearly chokes, pulling the covers back so Alex can slide in.

“Thanks.”