He sighed, as if this was what he'd feared, and his gaze slid to the side, gauging the escape routes.
"Yes, I know, helping us probably isn't at the top of your priority list, but if you answered my whistle, you're at least curious to hear what I want. And don't worry, there's something in it for you... including getting us out of these woods and off your territory."
That made him look my way. Nick edged closer, sizing him up. The werewolf did the same.
"We're not the only trespassers you and your pack would like gone," I said. "In fact, I suspect we're the least of your worries right now. Heading the list is a group of thugs who think this 'unclaimed wilderness' is the perfect spot to set up illegal operations, while killing locals."
His green eyes shifted to the side again, just enough to tell me something.
"Ah, so you do know they aren't the ones who killed those men."
A growling grunt.
"Except the first, yes. I guess you know that. And you know who was responsible for the rest--the Shifters, who I'm going to assume haven't given you or the wolves much trouble until recently. That's another problem I can fix for you."
Another grunt, this one saying, "Yes, yes, now get on with it." I did. I told him that we planned to kill the Teslers, and that would quiet down the Shifters and end the killings. I'd also let the Shifter Alpha know that Eli had been playing "roust the wolves" with him and the pack.
"That'll put an end to his antics," I said. "But before I go after the Teslers, I'll need backup. And don't worry, I don't mean you. My mate is out here, along with two other werewolves from my Pack looking for me. But I suspect you already know that, which is what has your pack nervous and what made you come running when I whistled."
A soft chuff of agreement.
"Find them and lead them to us. We'll be here for a bit, but then we're moving on. If you get them as far as our trail, they can take it from there. Deal?"
Another chuff and he loped off.
"That was interesting," Nick said.
"Out here, that's only the start of 'interesting.'"
WE'D BEEN WAITING five minutes when the buzz of an engine made my head jerk up.
"Snowmobiles," I said.
"Think Clay liberated one from a cottage?"
I shook my head. "Between the noise and the smell, it would be useless for tracking." The whine was getting louder. "And if it's not them..."
"We'd better get farther from the road."
We ducked behind a thick stand of bushes. As the first snowmobile approached, I peeked out. I saw only a figure and a shadowy face, but it was enough to start my heart pounding.
"That's him, isn't it?" Nick whispered. "Tesler Senior."
I nodded and pulled back as it passed. Then a second headlight crested a dip in the road.
"And Tesler Junior, I presume."
I nodded.
"Should we wait until that mutt finds Clay and my dad?"
I shook my head.
"That's what I thought."
REINFORCEMENTS
YES, WE SHOULD wait. But we couldn't, because if we did, we'd be combing these woods for days trying to find the Teslers' cabin again. And it would only be a few hours until they realized I must have made it to safety, and took off before I came back for vengeance... with my Pack in tow.