It was barely past midmorning when Thane grabbed the Humvee keys off the hook and jerked his chin toward the door. \u201cGabriel. Kade. With me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel perked up immediately, guitar still in his hands. \u201cRoad trip?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cQuick check-in,\u201d Thane said. \u201cEureka.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kade tightened his vest straps, tail flicking. \u201cTo see if Tarrik\u2019s\u2026 adjusting?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane snorted. \u201cThat\u2019s the diplomatic way to put it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The three wolves left the cabin, claws clicking softly on the porch boards. The Humvee\u2019s engine rumbled as they rolled down the road, tires kicking up little curls of dust in the morning light. The valley was calm, the kind of post-Fall quiet that used to feel eerie but now just felt peaceful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They crested a bend, and Libby Dam came into view \u2014 a big, concrete promise humming against the river. Thane slowed, turning into the service road almost without thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kade leaned forward in his seat, ears up. \u201cEverything looks undisturbed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood,\u201d Thane said. \u201cStill wanna check inside.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside the control building, the hum of power felt steady and alive. The control wall glowed green across every panel. No alarms. No flickering lights. No signs of tampering. Thane ran a claw along the console, satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll green,\u201d Gabriel said, hands shoved in his pockets. \u201cMusic to my ears.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kade nodded, sniffing the air. \u201cNo one\u2019s been snooping. Dust patterns match last time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane gave him a sideways look. \u201cDust patterns?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kade shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m a multitool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Content, they headed back out and climbed into the Humvee. Onward to Eureka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The moment they crossed into town, they slowed again \u2014 not because they had to, but because the scene before them was somehow unreal. Just like Libby, Eureka was\u2026 normal. Almost aggressively normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Streets swept clean.
Vehicles coming and going.
Kids with backpacks walking toward the school.
Restaurant signs lit.
A pair of teenagers painting fresh lines in the parking lot.
And in the wide open bay of the firehouse, a firefighter was polishing the side of the engine like it was parade day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned forward against his seatbelt. \u201cThis is wild, right? Like\u2026 d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu but in a different town.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLibby\u2019s not the only one waking up,\u201d Thane murmured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They pulled up in front of City Hall and parked in the usual visitor spot, though the sign now had fresh paint. Inside, the building smelled like coffee and paper \u2014 real functioning office paper \u2014 and the secretary at the front desk was typing something rapidly on an old but working computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood morning,\u201d she said, bright as sunshine. \u201cMayor Anderson\u2019s in a meeting with Tarrik, but they\u2019ll be happy to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane exchanged a look with Gabriel and Kade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTarrik?\u201d Kade whispered. \u201cWith the mayor?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDoing what?\u201d Gabriel whispered back. \u201cThreat assessment? Weather reports?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The secretary just smiled. \u201cGo on in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They stepped into Tom Anderson\u2019s office \u2014 and froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tarrik and Tom were hunched over a big laminated map of Eureka and the valley surrounding it. Tarrik tapped specific hilltops and ridgelines with surprising precision, explaining angles and lines of sight. Tom listened intently, nodding, occasionally jotting notes like a student with the world\u2019s most intimidating tutor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026and this ridge,\u201d Tarrik said, tapping the map with the back of his claw, careful but still rough around the edges. \u201cSee here. High ground. You smell trouble early. Wind carries sound up. Good place to watch from. Hard for anything to sneak past.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tom grinned and clapped him on the back like they\u2019d been friends for years. \u201cPerfect. Exactly what we needed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All three wolves at the door stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tarrik smiled.<\/em> He looked up, saw them, and lit up even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThane,\u201d he said, voice warm in a way they had never heard from him. \u201cWelcome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom stepped forward, offering a handshake and a grin. \u201cDidn\u2019t expect you today, but damn, it\u2019s good to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane blinked. \u201cWho are you,\u201d he said dryly, staring at Tarrik, \u201cand what have you done with Tarrik.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tarrik actually laughed \u2014 a startled, pleased sound he wasn\u2019t used to making. \u201cI am learning things. Useful things.\u201d He tapped the map again. \u201cMayor Anderson has many blind spots in the valley. I help him fix.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re helping,\u201d Gabriel said, stunned. \u201cVoluntarily helping?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI live here now,\u201d Tarrik said simply. \u201cI protect here now. Is good. I eat on time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kade raised a brow. \u201cHe eats on time. Truly a changed wolf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They chatted warmly for several minutes \u2014 about lookout points, night patrols, which neighborhoods needed more attention, how the schools were handling the return of electricity and running water. Tarrik answered every question confidently. Tom backed him like a man who had gained not just a protector, but a partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then the secretary poked her head in. \u201cTom? There\u2019s someone here asking for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n An older man was ushered in \u2014 wiry, weathered, wearing Keen work boots that had survived the Fall better than most humans had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSir,\u201d the man said, holding his hat respectfully, \u201cI used to work for Bonneville Power Administration. At the dam, specifically. Oversaw the power systems for thirty years, until the night the world fell, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The room quieted. The man swallowed, nerves visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2026 well, the whole town\u2019s buzzing about the power coming back on. I\u2019d like to know how in the world that happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom smiled and pointed directly at Thane. \u201cYou\u2019re looking at the reason.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The man turned, eyes wide. \u201cYou got it running? I thought half that equipment would be scrap by now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane shrugged modestly. \u201cI read the manuals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel coughed. \u201cWe<\/em> did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kade nodded. \u201cFront to back. Twice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut still,\u201d the man said, floored, \u201cthat\u2019s\u2026 dam power isn\u2019t simple. Not trivial. The alignment alone\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was fun,\u201d Gabriel said, deadpan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The man stepped closer. \u201cWell\u2026 sir, if you\u2019d like, I\u2019d be honored to help run it again. I know two others who worked with me. They\u2019d probably cry from joy at the idea. We could maintain it proper. Monitor demand. Keep the turbines happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom looked at Thane. \u201cThis is your call. That dam is running because of you and your pack.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane didn\u2019t hesitate. \u201cYes. Absolutely. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The man brightened like the sun had turned up a notch. \u201cExcellent! Great! I\u2019ll go get them. We\u2019ll head down there today. No need for keys, I still have my old set.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And with that, he hurried out, energized, muttering something about generator spin-up and intake cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel watched him disappear. \u201cI adore motivated old men.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kade nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s going to adopt the dam.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI hope he does,\u201d Thane said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They spent a few more minutes with Tom and Tarrik. Finally, Thane stepped toward Tarrik and gestured for a moment alone. Tarrik followed without hesitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Up close, Thane took in the changes: fuller face, calmer eyes, lighter posture. Not the beaten, angry, desperate wolf from Iron Ridge. Someone new. Someone rebuilding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m happy for you,\u201d Thane said softly. \u201cReally happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tarrik\u2019s throat worked as he swallowed. \u201cYou spared me,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cYou gave me chance. I would never\u2026 I can never repay that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou already have,\u201d Thane said. \u201cSeeing you like this\u2014helping, living, being\u2026 happy? That\u2019s more than enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tarrik\u2019s ears dipped, humbled. \u201cThank you, Alpha.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane squeezed his arm. \u201cTake care of this town.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI will,\u201d Tarrik promised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After goodbyes and a few more laughs, the wolves headed out. They climbed back into the Humvee, rolling slowly through the streets of Eureka, marveling at the echoes of Libby \u2014 another town waking up, coming alive, remembering itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kids on playgrounds. Gabriel chuckled. \u201cIt\u2019s happening everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kade smiled faintly. \u201cFeels good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFeels right,\u201d Thane said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the way home, they passed the dam again. Two pickup trucks were parked at the entrance, doors open, tools laid out, three figures already walking toward the service building with purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of them waved as the Humvee rolled by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane slowed just enough to wave back, warmth settling in his chest. \u201cLooks like they\u2019re getting to work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel leaned back in his seat. \u201cGood thing we read those manuals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kade grinned. \u201cYeah. But they\u2019ll read \u2019em better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Humvee rumbled down the road toward Libby, toward home, toward the rhythm of a valley that had finally begun to breathe again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And Thane couldn\u2019t stop smiling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It was barely past midmorning when Thane grabbed the Humvee keys off the hook and jerked his chin toward the door. \u201cGabriel. Kade. With me.\u201d Gabriel perked up immediately, guitar still in his hands. \u201cRoad trip?\u201d \u201cQuick check-in,\u201d Thane said. \u201cEureka.\u201d Kade tightened his vest straps, tail flicking. \u201cTo see if Tarrik\u2019s\u2026 adjusting?\u201d Thane snorted. 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A real one. Bright-eyed. Tail resting comfortably behind him. Healthy fur. No tension in his shoulders. No fear in his posture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People sweeping porches.
Engines idling at crosswalks.
A caf\u00e9 with a chalkboard sign reading: \u201cToday\u2019s Special \u2014 Hot Soup!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n