Pack Council

Kurt stood next to Clint, watching through the one-way mirror as Savannah and Sheriff Webb interviewed Rudy. He had to give credit to the two of them. They had managed to calm Rudy down enough to start to pull the story from him. Savannah was both sympathetic and detailed. She pressed Rudy for his story. The first task was to find out where Colt might be. They had a good idea now of where to look. Rudy had also provided them with names of three people who had disappeared the same time as Colt. According to the members of the Church, Dan Carter was hiding out in Rolling Hills, Nevada, inside the private residence of a close friend. Rudy believed that was where Colt would be taken. Dan Carter would want see to Colt himself. But Rudy didn't know the address or the friend's name.

Sheriff Webb had called in a deputy to check out the lead. Savannah had glanced up at the mirror. Kurt knew she couldn't see him but had felt that connection when their gazes would have met. She'd sent a smile in his direction then had returned to interviewing Rudy.

Rudy was going over the story for the second time when the door opened behind Kurt. Both he and Clint turned as Tony walked in with Cain, his brother. Cain hadn't been gone long from coming to help after Clint had been taken. Damn, the poor guy was getting his traveling in. And he was mated with a young pup.

Kurt moved forward to first grasp Tony's hand before reaching out to Cain.

"It's good to see you again," Cain greeted. "But we've got to stop meeting like this. These humans are really starting to piss me off."

Kurt welcomed him before motioning to Clint.

"Glad to see you're still healthy," Cain teased.

"Yeah, man. I try to make it a habit to only get kidnapped once a year or so," Clint joked.

Clint and Cain hugged. Everyone turned toward the mirror.

"We're getting some good information," Kurt assured Tony.

Tony looked like he hadn't slept in days. Kurt's heart went out to him. He couldn't imagine what Tony was going through. He looked back at Savannah. If it had been Savannah who had been taken, Kurt would have torn the town apart in search of her. And they were just at the start of their relationship. Tony and Colt had been together for a while. Tony had shown a lot of character, allowing the Council to handle things.

Cain was gripping Tony's shoulder as Rudy continued to talk in the interrogation room. Cain met Kurt's gaze and Kurt inclined his head to convey that they would reunite Tony and Colt. Cain smiled back in what Kurt took as appreciation. Another twenty minutes had passed when Rudy finished talking. Savannah stood and patted his shoulder. "I'll get us something to drink. Maybe a snack?"

"Thank you, Savannah," Rudy said.

As she made her way out of the room, Kurt headed toward his door. They both stepped into the hallway at the same time. It had been a long two hours she'd been in the conference room with Rudy. They'd had to wait for the doctor to check the young man out before the interview could even start. Rudy had a couple of bruised ribs and some bumps and scrapes, but he would be okay in a few weeks.

The strain of the day showed in Savannah's face and stiff shoulders. Kurt reached for her and she smiled. He pulled her into his arms and held her tight.

"He's scared," she said quietly. "He never wanted to be involved in the Church. His dad sent him in against his will."

"I know," he assured her. "I heard." He felt his own sympathy for Rudy. He'd been pushed around and bullied until he'd become what the Church had wanted him to be. The man who had taunted Cecil inside the shop wasn't the same one as the kid in the interview room. There had to be a reason Rudy had acted that way with Cecil. Rudy deserved a chance to explain, in Kurt's opinion.

"He's just a kid," she said with a sigh. "Just wants his dad to love him."

Kurt gently pulled back and cupped her chin. "We know that isn't always possible. But under all that hate that has been drilled into him, I think he's a good guy. I can see why Colt would have befriended him. Colt would have noticed that Rudy needed someone."

"I think it's more than that," Savannah corrected. "I think Colt protected Rudy. Colt was the one person Rudy could depend on."

"I agree," someone spoke behind them.

Kurt and Savannah pulled away from one another when Tony joined them.

"I think Colt wanted to help him," Tony said. "When this was over. Colt would have had a plan for him."

"That sounds like Colt," Cain agreed.

"Can I?" Tony waved to the door. "Can I speak to him, please?"

Savannah bit her lip and looked at Kurt. When he gave her a slight nod, she blew out a breath.

"I can ask," she replied. "You're not an official and he doesn't have to talk to you if he doesn't want to."

Tony dipped his head in acknowledgment. "I understand. But I think he'll talk to me."

Savannah looked torn. Kurt knew she wanted to help, but she was also dedicated to protecting Rudy.

"I can get the drinks and snacks while you two go in there," Cain offered.

Clint sighed. "I'll help Cain. Even if I'm not so sure of this guy's innocence as the rest of you. Anything to find Colt, though." Savannah looked at Kurt.

"I'll tell you how we know about Rudy later," Kurt told her. "I don't think we have the whole story though." He said the last to Clint.

Clint huffed before dragging Cain toward the break room they'd been shown earlier.

"Okay," she said to Tony. "Come on. But it's still his choice."

Kurt followed Savannah and Tony into the small room. Rudy looked up at them warily when they walked in.

"Rudy?" Savannah motioned toward Tony. "Can he have just a minute?"

Rudy's eyes were wide, but he nodded. "O-okay."

Savannah pulled Kurt back against the wall. They stood close to one another and watched as Tony sat next to Rudy. Kurt made sure that his arm was touching her. It made him feel better. "Hi," Tony said and offered his hand. "I'm Tony."

Rudy gasped. "Colt's Tony?"

Tony smiled at him. "Yes."

Rudy placed his hand in Tony's. "He told me about you."

Tony released Rudy's hand but reached over and patted his knee. "I'm glad. I'm happy he had a friend in there with him."

"I told him that I overheard Bruce talking about him. I begged him to leave," Rudy said desperately. "I tried to get him out."

"I know," Tony said, soothing him. "And I appreciate you helping us now."

"I want to help," Rudy implored. "I swear."

"You are helping. Colt would be proud."

Rudy's eyes filled. "He said when all this was over he'd help me. He'd get me out too."

Kurt felt Savannah's hand brush his before she intertwined their fingers together. She'd been right. Rudy had needed someone and Colt had been a light in the darkness that Rudy lived. Although Kurt had the feeling that if Tony didn't step up and respect Colt's wishes they were going to have the human around. A lot. She'd almost turned mother hen or big sister on Rudy.

"We'll still help you," Tony promised.

Rudy's tears fell. "I don't..."

"Rudy." Tony spoke softly. "Why did your dad send you down here?"

Rudy sobbed. "He found me and my friend Matt together. We tried to play it off, but he knew. My dad knew."

"Knew what?"

Rudy covered his face with his hands. "That I'm gay."

"It's okay," Tony assured the younger man. Rudy started to weep and Tony wrapped his arms around him.

Savannah pushed off the wall and pulled Kurt from the room to give them privacy. Clint and Cain were waiting in the hall.

"Poor kid," Clint said as they joined them.

"Yeah," Kurt agreed sadly. He vowed that he would help Tony and Colt take care of Rudy. The kid wouldn't have to go back if he didn't want to. He wasn't even doing it for Savannah. The kid needed a break.

"Tony will help him," Cain added.

Kurt waved toward Cain. "This is Tony's brother Cain. Cain, this is Deputy Savannah Conley," he introduced.

Kurt had a hold of Savannah's left hand so she was able to offer her right in greeting. "It's nice to meet you," Savannah said.

"Thank you, Deputy. It's my pleasure," Cain responded.

Inside, Kurt's wolf complained. He had to hold in a growl that threatened to escape. He didn't like another man touching what was his. Savannah shouldn't be handled by another shifter. He didn't think he'd made a sound, but Cain glanced over at him and released Savannah's hand. He cocked an eyebrow.

Kurt found he was baring his teeth.

"Hey," Cain said with some amusement. "Mated wolf here, remember? I didn't mean anything by it."

Kurt nodded but pulled Savannah closer. He knew that Cain was mated. He didn't know where that response had come from.

Savannah looked up at him with confusion. He didn't know what to say.

"Why don't you two get something to drink for yourselves?" Clint pulled everyone's attention to him. "We'll give Tony and Rudy a few minutes before taking in their soda and chips."

Kurt was grateful. If he could get a few minutes alone with Savannah, he'd be able to calm down. Fighting with his wolf nature was a very new thing for him. "Yeah, good idea." He squeezed Savannah's hand before leading her away. She didn't say a word.

They passed the sheriff's office as they walked toward the break room. Sheriff Webb was barking orders into the phone, demanding information from whomever he was speaking with.

"That man should have been a shifter," Savannah said.

Kurt laughed. He couldn't have agreed more. Sheriff Webb was a force. Kurt had gotten to know the man and respected the hell out of him. He was compassionate and kind, but also one of the best authority figures Kurt had ever met. "Yeah, I wouldn't want him as a father-in-law, though," Kurt stated. "He threatened to neuter Clint if he hurt Sara." He laughed. It felt good after the long, stressful day.

"I think Sara could handle that herself. I even have the perfect knife I can loan her," Savannah quipped, leading the way into the break room.

Kurt tried to hold back his amusement, watching Savannah as she yanked the fridge door open and passed him a cold can of Coca-Cola. "I hope you're joking." She winked. "Maybe. Although I can take care of myself as well."

"Oh, I am fully aware of that," Kurt said. He ran his gaze up and down her body. She was still wearing her uniform. "You even come equipped with handcuffs." Savannah lifted an eyebrow before tugging the cuffs from her belt. "These things?" She allowed them to dangle.

"Yep." His mouth had gone dry.

"Do you have a fetish we should discuss?" she teased. But the way her eyes blazed told him that she might not be against the idea.

"Maybe one I didn't know about," he admitted.

She made a sound halfway between a whimper and moan and he found himself closing the distance. She looked surprised before her features softened and she strode into his arms, setting her drink on the table as she passed it. He lowered his mouth down on hers and he felt the need to consume. He had to taste Savannah, had to feel the bond that had started. Even though they were in the middle of the break room where anyone could walk in, he didn't give a damn. He gripped her hips and leaned into her. Their tongues met even as she ran her hands over his shoulders and back.

"I need you," he confessed against her ear.

"Yes!" she panted. "Oh, God, yes!"

He lifted her onto the table and moved between her legs. He nipped down her neck, leaving small marks. He wanted to claim. To not have to worry about someone else seeing her thinking she was available.

She arched, pressing her breasts against him. He swiped his tongue at the opening of her shirt. He could rip the garment away and feast. His wolf urged him on.

"Shit!" he cursed and stepped back. "We can't do this here."

Savannah was trying to draw in gulps of air. Her face was flushed and her eyes were filled with passion that matched his own hunger. She ran a shaky hand over her hair. "You're right." She cleared her throat. "Damn, Kurt." He chuckled. It felt good to know he wasn't the only one tormented by their desire.

"Tonight?" she asked, pushing him back before climbing off the table.

Kurt allowed her enough room to stand. He considered pulling her back into his arms but knew he had better not. His cock was already aching he was so hard, any more stimulation and he wouldn't be able to stop. All he needed was the sheriff to see him making love to his deputy. Sheriff Webb was an understanding guy but that was pushing things too far. Plus, Kurt wanted to be the only one who saw Savannah in passion ever again.

"You'll come to my house when you get off shift?" he pleaded.

"Yes," she agreed. "As soon as we get Rudy settled in for the night. I don't know what the sheriff is going to do with him and I want to make sure he has somewhere to go."

"Okay." He backed toward the door slowly. She grinned, watching him. He left the break room almost at a run. Clint was waiting, leaning against the far wall with his arms crossed over his chest. Kurt lifted an eyebrow. He knew his best friend would have a smartass comment.

"Just making sure I didn't have to pour a bucket of cold water on the two of you. This is her office," Clint supplied.

Kurt flipped him off and kept walking. He couldn't even get mad as Clint laughed at him. It didn't matter anyway. He'd be alone with Savannah soon enough. He headed back toward the interview room. He'd check in with Tony before he took off for the night. He needed to give the council an update so a plan could be made.

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Totally exhausted, Savannah stood in front of Kurt's front door waiting for him to answer her knock. Once she had returned to the room where Rudy was, things had moved quickly. The shifters had left to make plans. Sheriff Webb had received a phone call from a contact in Nevada who would check into Dan Carter's location. He'd also ordered Savannah to work with Rudy on any evidence and laws being broken out at the Church that would help them secure warrants. Sheriff Webb wanted the Church shut down.

The sheriff was still at the office working on getting a judge to sign the warrants but had sent Savannah home. He wanted her to rest up for the next day. It didn't matter how drained she was though. Savannah wasn't going to miss a chance at spending time with Kurt. There was just something about him that made her feel safe and secure. Her worry for Rudy, Colt and everyone else in town remained in the back of her mind. Her hope that Kurt could make her forget for at least a few minutes had driven her to his house.

So, she stood on tired feet, the cold night at her back, and waited until Kurt opened the door. He reached for her even as the door swung open. Savannah wrapped her arms around his waist and let him hold her. Kurt smoothed his hand down her hair, relaxing her. His warmth against her took some of the chill from her bones. He moved back without releasing his embrace. The door closed securely behind her and she sighed. It wasn't only passion and hunger she needed tonight. It was this, this comfort and support.

Kurt kissed her forehead, then her left cheek, while murmuring to her. When he pulled back to look down at her face, she offered him a small smile. "Let's get you comfortable," he urged, removing her coat.

She let him help her with her jacket before he bent and removed her boots. He pushed them against the wall and she noticed the bag next to them. "Are you going somewhere?" she questioned.

He sandwiched her hands between his. "Come on, I put on a pan of hot chocolate once I knew you were on your way."

He led her into his spacious kitchen. The warmth of the room soaked into her. She moaned in delight from the heat and the smell of the chocolate.

"That's a good sound," he commented, helping her onto a stool at the island. He strolled to the stove and stirred the saucepan on top. "To answer your question, yes, we're heading to Nevada in the morning. Sheriff Webb was able to confirm Dan Carter's location."

"That's great!" she told him. "You actually found him. I can't believe it."

"Yeah, we think anyway-a house deeded to a close family friend of Carter's was located in Rolling Hills. With Rudy's information, we believe that is where Carter is hiding."

"Okay.” She started to stand. "I'm sure you have a lot you need to do. I can come back another time."

"No!" Kurt said quickly. She sat back down and Kurt lowered his head. "Don't go."

"I don't want to, but..."

Kurt turned and pulled the pot from the fire. He twisted the knob and turned the burner off then strode toward her. "I might be gone several days. We have a couple of guys coming in and will fly out at first light. I want to spend the night with you before I leave," he told her.

Relief had her shoulders slumping. While she couldn't expect Kurt to put her needs in front of such an important mission it was nice to hear that he wanted to be with her as much as Savannah craved him.

Kurt reached over and cupped her face. "Savannah, do you understand what is going on here?"

She blinked up at him. "What do you mean?" she asked, confused. She knew all about what Kurt had to do. Hadn't she been working her ass off all day to help him?

"Dating a shifter is a bit different from dating a human," he confessed quietly.

Savannah jerked back in shock. Kurt was sending her mixed signals. Again. If he didn't want her here because she was human, then why did he say such sweet things to her? It wasn't as though he could claim shifters didn't date humans. Clint and Sara were proof that they did. "I don't understand."

Kurt let his hands fall back to his sides. "Let me make your drink. Then we need to talk before things go any further."

"Sure," she agreed. But worry had her stomach roiling. Savannah was exhausted and thinking wasn't a high priority at the moment. Having a serious conversation? She wanted to cry. She'd be at a disadvantage for arguing toward a relationship if Kurt tried to brush her off.

Watching Kurt move around the kitchen as he prepared her hot cocoa actually hurt her heart. She didn't want to give this man up. Kurt had already become important to her. It was too soon to say she was in love, but she did have feelings for him. He still had his back to her as he began to talk.

"I think about you all the time," he told her. "I crave your scent, your touch. In my office I wanted to mark you so everyone knew you belonged to me. That's something that comes from my shifter side. Once the wolf has accepted a partner it's hard to hold back our instincts."

Kurt turned to look at her.

"Okay," she said. Even she heard the hesitation in her voice. She still didn't get what he was trying to convey to her.

He huffed before bringing her the steaming mug of chocolate goodness. It smelled heavenly, so she took her time sipping it as she thought about what to say. "I don't know if you're trying to warn me off or say you want me." Kurt just nodded then rubbed his hands roughly over his face. "I suck at this talking shit. But I need you to never regret getting involved with me."

With one palm still wrapped around her mug, she grabbed his hand to hold on. "Just tell me what it is you think I should know."

"With shifters, the feelings we have are strong and fierce. Because of our animal half, we also fall quickly. If our animal, like my wolf, accepts our choice, things progress quickly. It's not instant love, but it can seem like that to others. Our attraction is just intense."

She grinned. Savannah wasn't hearing anything that would scare her off. "So, you've said that you have strong feelings for me and your wolf accepts me?"

"Yes."

"I think there's only one thing left for you to do."

Kurt frowned. "What's that?"

"Kiss me," she demanded.

It took a moment. First Kurt searched her face, and although she had no idea what he was looking for, he seemed satisfied when he pulled her up and into his arms. Savannah wrapped her arms around his waist to hold him close. She met his lips with her own.

He tasted like coffee, spice and something that she thought was his own unique flavor. She rubbed her tongue against his and ran her hands over his shoulders while settling into his embrace.

When they had to back away to breathe, she met his gaze. "I don't ever want you to hold back your shifter side," she assured him. "I can handle it. Can handle you. Just give me a chance. Let me show you that I want all of you." "Sweet Jesus!" he exclaimed before kissing her again quickly then pulling back to look at her. "Like I ever had a chance of denying you. You are so perfect."

Savannah was glad he thought so. She pulled his shirt out of the waist of his jeans so she could get her hands on his warm flesh. Lifting up to her tiptoes, she offered him another kiss. She kneaded his back as he plundered her mouth. It was right. It felt awesome. This man was everything she had ever wanted in a partner. There was a real future in front of her, if she was brave enough to grab it. It might not have been easy for him to confess his worries to her, but Savannah was glad Kurt had. This way, she had no doubts about his intentions and could allow herself to fall for him.

When her fingers brushed under the back of his pants, he pulled back.

"I wanted to make you hot chocolate, have you relax in a hot shower, romance you, show you how much you mean to me," he told her with a huff of breath. "How good I'll be to you."

"After," she insisted. "After you can take care of me. Right now, I need to feel you."

He lifted her right off her feet. His strength always surprised her. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her out of the kitchen through the hall. She nibbled his neck and nipped his ear, causing him to groan as he passed through the bedroom doorway.

He laid her on top of the bed covers and looked lovingly down at her. "You belong there," he said. "On my bed."

She reached for him. "With you."

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"Yes." He caught her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist.

She sat up and grabbed the hem of his shirt. "Prove it," she challenged.

They undressed each other quickly. It wasn't the time to go slow. No, that would have to come later. Her blood felt as if it was on fire as he ran his hands over her body. She was already wet for him and he was hard for her.

They rolled around on the bed, marking each other's skin with lips, tongues and fingers. She laughed when he sucked behind her knee then shivered when he ran his tongue up her thigh. He pushed her legs apart before concentrating on her pussy.

"Oh!" she cried out as he started to lick. She bucked up and grasped the bedspread under her hands.

Kurt didn't hold back. He feasted on her, adding his fingers, bringing her pleasure higher and higher until she almost sobbed with it.

It was too intense. Her entire body tightened, bowed as he brought her to climax with his fingers buried inside and his lips on her clit. She rode out the consuming orgasm, going weak under the assault.

She was still vibrating as he slid his body up and over hers. His cock brushed against her folds. Savannah lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist.

He grasped her hair and lifted her head. Eyes locked on hers, Kurt entered her slowly. He pushed inside, filling her, connecting in the most primal way.

She shuddered as he withdrew and gasped when he plunged back inside. In long, deep strokes, he claimed her body. Savannah gripped his shoulders as his thrusts rocked them. The tempo of their lovemaking sped up gradually until Kurt drove himself inside hard. His head tipped back with ecstasy apparent in his face.

It was beautiful. Powerful. And she wanted more.

She lifted her hips to meet each and every frenzied thrust. His fingers tightened on her hips and her breath caught at his growl.

"Savannah," he cried. "So good."

"Yes!" she yelled. "Yes, yes, yes."

His mouth came down on her neck and she buried her fingers in his hair. She would wear his mark proudly. If having his scent on her made his wolf happy, then the love bites should be even better. The possessiveness turned her on. "Mark me. Let everyone see."

Hips snapping, Kurt rumbled as his mouth remained against her soft flesh.

The sound sent tremors through her entire body. Savannah screamed out as the most intense orgasm was torn from her.

Panting and shaking, Savannah held on tight to Kurt as he continued to thrust. She blinked her eyes open so she could watch as his face contorted with passion and need.

She would never get tired of seeing him like this. Kurt giving himself over to her and allowing her to see the control snap away.

He slammed forward harder each time. The headboard of the bed hit the wall. They were going to have to do something about that in the future.

As she trembled beneath him, Kurt finally plunged one last time and paused. He lifted his head and roared out his own release. Hot seed filled her and the feeling of completeness overcome her.

Thank God, the Council brought Kurt to her town. Thank God, Savannah returned home.

****

Kurt stepped out of his bathroom, towel-drying his hair. He padded naked across the room on silent feet.

Savannah was still curled up on her side, face buried in the pillow. His heart felt light, seeing her there in his bed. He was glad he'd managed to talk to her earlier in the evening. He didn't like things out of his control. He'd needed to explain to her that what he felt now would only grow, and grow fast. If she wasn't ready for that, he needed to know so he could back off. Luckily, Savannah was on the same track as he was.

He reached down and ran his index finger over the love marks on her neck. It was juvenile, but he liked seeing them. Shifters would be able to smell his scent, his seed, on her but humans could recognize the hickies. He grinned. Kurt felt like a teenager again, wanting to circle around Savannah and bare his teeth at anyone who even looked at her. But the feelings that Savannah stirred in him were intense. He'd not even felt this way about Becca, his first love. With Becca finding her mate and falling in love with Mike, and now Kurt meeting Savannah, he believed he'd been meant to get to this point in his life.

His watch beeped and he quickly silenced the alarm. Kurt had to go but he hated leaving Savannah. He wanted to crawl back under the covers with her and just spend the day loving every inch of her. He sat on the side of the bed and ran his hand softly over her shoulder. She mumbled something and rolled over onto her stomach. He chuckled as he bent his head to kiss the back of her neck.

"Hmm," she murmured.

"Are you awake, darling?" he asked with amusement.

"No," she replied.

Kurt used his teeth to nip her.

"Hey!" she grumbled. She flopped back onto her back and peered up at him. "Did you shower?"

"Yeah," he answered. "I've got to get ready to go."

She frowned and looked over at the clock on the side of the bed. "Five a.m.?"

He laughed at the disgust in her voice. "We've got to get an early start. Everyone has arrived and we're going to take off at first light."

She sat up. He reached over and tapped a key he'd laid on the nightstand. "Here's the key to lock up. I wanted to give it to you before I left."

She lifted an eyebrow. "Giving me a key?" she asked. "I might not give it back."

"I won't complain about that." He looked around. "It's not much, but I love my house. It feels even better when you're around." Kurt glanced away, embarrassed at his confession. It was a lot to throw at her when he'd already said so much the

night before.

"Come here," she ordered. He turned his head back toward her. The grin she gave him was warm and bright. "Be careful and I'll be back here as soon as you get home. Maybe once Colt is found and safe, we can have an entire veg day. Naked, wrapped up in blankets on the couch, watching Netflix and ordering take-out."

Kurt almost groaned. Heaven. That sounds like heaven. He bent forward and she kissed him thoroughly. With reluctance, he pulled away. When she tried to drag him on top of her, he laughed.

"As much as I would like to climb back into this warm bed with you, Clint will be here soon to pick me up," he told her.

She pouted. "But you're already naked for me."

He grabbed her, making her squeal, and slammed his mouth down on hers.

Her eyes were wide and her breath was unsteady when he released her. "That's just wrong," she grumbled unhappily.

Kurt shook his head and stood. Any more and he wouldn't be ready when Clint arrived. He could feel her eyes on him as he walked to the closet and dressed. He pulled on black cargo pants and a long-sleeved black shirt. He grabbed his boots and socks before strolling over to the bed.

Savannah had the pillows stacked up behind her. She ran her hands over his back as he pulled on the socks and boots. He approved of the touch-just the connection that he needed. Plus, it would have the added benefit of leaving her scent

on him.

He turned and gave her a quick kiss. "I'll call you."

"Be careful," she replied.

"I will, I promise," he said and forced himself to leave her behind.