Monday, July 23 Pt. 7

“Something happens if you return after the deadline?”
I shake my head trying to rid myself of the regular welcoming I tend to receive.
“I only know what happens when I return with the rest of the prospects three months into a run. I’ve never been this close to his deadline.”
“Your welcome home isn’t very welcoming, is it?” I shake my head again as I go silent.
“Thank you. I understand better why Demetri and Xavier have taken steps to make your request to return so seriously so quickly. The current state of the council makes things move at a snail's pace and time is not on your side. You asked about information on operation underground. I believe your now secondary plan for returning to Crimson Dawn is reliant on it.”
I nod my head but again stay silent.
“As I said, I can’t get into details on how it works as that’s not something anyone knows until they are actively in it but I can give you history on how it got started.”
I cock my head, curious to hear what was never taught in history class.
“Similar to Demetri, I am quite familiar with Xavier Bluemon. He joined the council fifteen years ago and was an active participant in the freedom movement that Demetri continued when he joined the prospect program ten years ago. Eight years ago is when Xavier was promoted to head liaison for abused and tortured wolves and he was elected a year later to be the liaison for the east coast. It was about a year later that the council agreed on a set criteria for individual packs to follow if they wanted to become a sanctuary for the broken wolves fleeing dangerous situations.
The Crimson Dawn pack was the first pack awarded sanctuary status as soon as the act was passed. I believe it was the only pack that didn’t go through the extensive evaluation process as the criteria was modeled after what he did to help and care for those in need of delicate handling.”
I slowly sit back against the couch that Jamie and I are sitting on. I can tell he’s as interested in this unknown history as I am.
“It didn’t take long for the packs who had already started changing the way they treated their members to get involved with the freedom movement. The sanctuary act gave them a goal to strive for and in the first year of the act passing the council had certified just over one hundred packs as sanctuary packs. Considering there’s over 10,000 packs in the United States alone, it was small change but a definite start to the change they were looking for.
As more packs completed their transformation and became sanctuaries for those seeking a better life, surrounding packs became more aware of the plight that the fleeing wolves faced. On their own, packs that couldn’t handle rehabilitating abused wolves but did not support the unconscionable way that wolves were being treated created operation underground. It’s not something that is known by the council or the committee and there is no regulation. It’s quite literally a band of alphas who have agreed to allow abused and tortured wolves who are fleeing from their pack a temporary safe haven. In the case of wolves like you Cole, when we know where you are seeking to go, it becomes similar to the Underground Railroad.”
I can’t help but cock my head again as even werewolves are taught about American history.
“The best way that I can describe operation underground is that it’s a hybrid between the Underground Railroad and the Witness Protection Program. While I cannot tell you everyone that is involved, you already know that Alex and now, I are both involved. When you make your run you will start with him at the White Moon pack where you will be given a new identity. Considering the majority of wolves that run are omegas and treated as the pack slaves, it is anticipated by every alpha that gets involved in the underground movement of fleeing wolves that they will not have any money which is why it’s important that you meet with Alpha Whiteman. While it is rare to come across a wolf who is planning to flee before they do, when we do come across one he likes to go over who he is and what you will receive while you are here.”
I’m finally starting to relax as he paints a very vague picture of what to expect.
“Now, there are several reasons that I requested this meeting ahead of your meeting with Alpha Whiteman.” Alpha starts up again.
“First, I want you to know that I will not abandon you. I will not give up on getting you out of that hell you call home.”
“It’s not much of a home, sir.” I whimper slightly as I realize I interrupted him.
“Easy son. I know it’s not but that’s why it’s important for you to understand that if Xavier manages to create a precedent with the protection orders then it will only be you that returns to me. Jamie will have to wait until I put other things in place for his entire family to flee.”
“What do you mean by a precedent?” I nearly whisper, unprepared to hear that my best friend will have to return to hell no matter what happens to me.
“Protection orders have never been used to intercept a wolf from returning home before. As I explained before, werewolves are extremely territorial. While human laws do not allow for humans to be treated as property, until the committee and council create and pass laws stating otherwise, you are essentially your father’s property.” I gasp at the thought.
“Property?” I’m struggling with the sheer concept of such a thing.
“It’s extremely old and most wolves no longer abide by it but yes, there are no laws on the books that will allow me to intervene in your father’s plans. If he says that you are to stay at White Ridge until the rest of the prospects are returned home then without council permission, I can’t send someone up there to pick you up and Alpha Whiteman can’t send you back. Every member of a pack is seen as the alpha’s property. It’s the reason why every time a new alpha takes over the pack they are allowed to change the laws specific to their pack. That’s why when Patrick left here for ten years and found the need to return, Alpha Mathias essentially rejected him permanently from his pack but I welcomed him with open arms.”
“I’m sorry alpha. I knew but I didn’t listen. He was so adamant about returning that when the plans changed I didn’t back out.”
“There was no way to know this was in his plans. He lied to everyone involved and now we’re scrambling to figure out the truth.” He explains gently. “While I know this will expose some of the terror that you’re going through with your father I do feel that it’s important to establish a code.”
“A code for what?” Beta Michael jumps into the conversation.
“It is critical that Alpha Redmen remains in the dark about our plans to help Cole. Now that Cole is only two to three hours away from home it will be even easier for Alpha Redmen to use the link to harm him.”
“You know without a doubt that he would do that?” Beta Michael continues.
“Yes sir, I do. Asking him if I needed to cut the crap is the phrase he used when he was under attack while at my pack. His father knows no limits.”
“Which is why it’s important to create connections between packs.” Alpha Andrew chimes in.
“Yes sir, it is. Cole, once you get your phone back I need you to text me or call me so we can talk. It’s important that we stay connected after this meeting and while you’re at home so that I know what to expect when you come back. Can you agree to that?”
“Yes sir. Is Jessa around? It would be nice to hear her voice.” I nearly choke on the words.
“Not right now but we will set something up once you get your phone back.”
“Yes sir.”
“I know it’s a challenge but I need you to eat while you’re there.”
“I've gotten him eating sir. It’s taken a few days but he’s at least taking a few mouthfuls with each meal.”
“That’s good to hear Jamie. It’s important to keep us informed. I know you want to hide this but you’ll never escape it if you do.”
“I’m trying sir.” I whisper, somehow embarrassed with my situation.
“Keep your faith in me Cole. No matter if it takes days, weeks or months I will bring you back to the life you so badly deserve.”