Cry Wolf

Chapter 1

It had taken Sin a full ten days to locate one of the fringe human groups supporting the rebels, and another ten to get information on the whereabouts of the rebel camp and its leader.

Through a series of created opportunities, he'd at last managed to imbed himself in the encampment. Since then, he'd been working alongside the human rebels, earning their trust.

He'd chosen to use his own first name since, as far as he was aware, no one in old America aside from his father and Raul knew it. He also shed his usual High Guard uniform of all black to don clothing of the normal folk--brown leather pants, loose-fitting shirt, vest, and knee-high leather boots. And of course for more preventive measure he also dyed his hair light brown.

His military training had stood him in good stead. His dead-on talent with a bow and a dagger were particularly useful for dispatching an enemy at close quarters if one knew just where to thrust. It would serve him good, especially now that he's hiding the fact that he is in fact a werewolf.

He'd explained away his skill with weapons by saying as a youth of sixteen he'd been conscripted to serve with the United California in their seven-year war against the Northern American Pack on the outer edge of Old America.

No one had questioned the story. That 'b****y War', as it was known, had been an extended conflict that caused heavy losses on both sides. And many humans both young and old men had fought alongside the United California.

For the past two weeks, he'd been in the perfect position to observe the comings and goings of the human rebels, and was beginning to get a solid feel for their inner structure.

With one exception...he'd yet to see the human in charge of the rebellion. A young man named Rein. Which from what he'd gathered, his position was inherited from his late father. A well known rebel who was killed personally by the Great Clan Leader, Raul himself.

Although the young man was spoken about with nothing but the highest respect, Sin couldn't fathom why this dynamic and beloved leader didn't make an appearance.

Perhaps he stayed closeted away with his advisors. Wherever he might be, Sin was determined to gain access to the man. He refused to contact the Clan Leader until he was able to identify and meet the head of the rebel.

In the meantime, he had a job to do to keep up appearances.

Tonight he watched as a grizzled man, Ian, approached him. Pale light from the moon reflected off the older man's gray hair. And Sin strolled across the clearing to meet him.

Ian placed an age-spotted but still strong hand on Sin's shoulder in the traditional greeting of comrades. "Your watch, my friend. It's been quiet tonight. Let's hope it stays that way."

"Have we heard anything else about the detachment of the Elite Soldier Wolves' troops spotted last night?"

Ian shook his head. "Nothing. It's as if they disappeared into the mist."

Raul's dark witches certainly had the power to raise a mist. But he also knew the unit of the Elite Wolves' spotted last night hadn't disappeared by mere magic.

"They're probably hiding. My best guess would be in the south forest. Waiting for a good opportunity to delve deeper into human territory. We need to keep our eyes open."

He didn't know why he'd shared the information with the old man. He should have kept his mouth shut so his kin men could have stayed hidden. But he kept finding himself offering such bits of aid.

He tried to tell himself it was all part of convincing the humans he was an ally, earning their trust.

Still...his actions troubled him, and a sense of disloyalty to his kin gnawed at him.

He tried to shake it off as he clasped the man's shoulder. "You get some rest. I'll stay alert for unwelcome activity."

The old man flashed him a tired smile and squeezed his shoulder again. "You're a good man, Sin. We were lucky to enlist your help."

Sin forced a smile onto his face, ignoring the sudden twinge of guilt in his gut at his deception.

"Sleep well, Ian."

The old man waved and disappeared into the trees.

"Damn it all!" Sin swore softly when he'd gone.

What was wrong with him? He and his father were an extension of Raul's arm and, as such, held nearly as much authority with the werekin of Old America as the Great Clan Leader himself.

Sin had learned young to hold himself above others. He wasn't supposed to give a f**k about anything except accomplishing his duty. And his duty was to his kin and to the Great Clan Leader.

Best he remember that...or pay the price for his disloyalty.