“What on earth did you put inside these bags?”Alex panted as she heaved the final load of groceries into one of the pack's numerous communal SUVs.

“Enough food to feed an alpha, two betas’, and an average werewolf,” Mer smiled as she closed the trunk, Alex stopping back and gently stretching her back till a nice pop was heard. “How old are you?” Mer teased, turning to the beta with a smile, her smile dropped at the Beta’s subtle grimace, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just….an old injury,” Alex straightened, hoping the smile she was forcing was as warm and comforting as she wanted it to be.

“Are sure?” Mer asks taking a step closer to Alex.

“Beta Alex!” a rough commanding voice called, Alex saw more than did as her body instinctively moved between Meredith and the approaching danger. Danger? Alex asked as she felt her hackles rise and an aura wave of authority emanate from her, her body turning to face the possible offender. “Beta Alex, right?” a woman, about Alex’s height, asked as her once run slowed to a saunter.

“Yeah,” Alex nodded, allowing her hackles to fall and her aura to return to calm at the sight of the woman’s badge. 

“Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you I just didn't want to miss you.”

“Uh, it’s fine officer…”

“Chief Abbers, but most people call me Bayley,” Bayley held her hand out in an offer, a warm smile creasing her lips.

“Nice to meet you, Bayley, you can call me Alex. I prefer it,” Alex said calmly, accepting the chief’s handshake.

“Alex. It's nice to finally meet you.”

“You too,” Alex smiled, her usual calm demeanor long returned, “Oh!” Alex turned excitedly to Mer, “Bayley this is my friend Mer, she keeps us alpha and betas from collapsing,” Alex’s smile widened as she stepped back, gently placing a hand on Mer’s arm, giving it a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

“Hi,” Mer squeaked, her body immediately tensing as her eyes locked with the Chiefs.

“Hi….”