Sunday morning found them exactly where Sunday morning had a legal obligation to find them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the den.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not testifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just existing in the loose, unreasonable sprawl of a pack that had survived too many serious things and was determined to disrespect furniture about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane occupied the sofa with one leg stretched out and one arm draped over the back cushion. Gabriel lay on the floor on his back with a cereal bowl balanced on his chest, which Mark had called \u201cstructurally irresponsible\u201d twice and had failed to stop both times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark sat in the oversized chair with his tablet, a mug of coffee, and the expression of someone who had decided the rest of the room was an ongoing study in preventable chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas was on the rug near the coffee table, sitting cross-legged in full wolf form with a bowl of cereal in one paw and a spoon in the other, watching Gabriel balance his bowl with increasing concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re going to spill that,\u201d Silas said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel lifted the spoon without moving his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have elite breakfast control.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou had syrup on your ear yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was advanced storage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark did not look up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is not storage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was temporary syrup staging.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI regret waking up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed his spoon toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou regret nothing. You love this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI tolerate this because murder is illegal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas paused with his spoon halfway to his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then looked at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs that true?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark sipped his coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGenerally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel laughed hard enough that the bowl wobbled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBowl.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel froze, caught it with both paws, and looked immensely offended by gravity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBetrayal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cConsequence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane said, \u201cBreakfast law.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel rolled his head toward Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou see what I endure?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas ate another bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou create much of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExcellent progress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou were supposed to be the new one. New ones support me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs that a rule?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel said, \u201cIt was unwritten.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cThen it lacks enforceability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel lowered his spoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis house used to have magic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The den settled back into lazy noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cereal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A ceiling fan moving slow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Morning light across the log walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No sirens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No radios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No court clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one asking them to explain their pain in complete sentences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Mark\u2019s tablet chimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He frowned at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel lifted his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf that is work, I am legally dead until noon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is not work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane opened one eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark stared at the screen for another second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then his face changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not alarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not exactly amusement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Something softer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLocal post.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sat up, cereal bowl now safely in both paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood local or bad local?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark read silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then looked at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTarget.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The den went quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas lowered his spoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane held out one paw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark handed him the tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The post was from a local community group. The woman had not used their names. She had not posted photos. She had not turned it into a spectacle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But she had written enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane read it once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nI do not know if this will reach the right people, but yesterday at the Cross Timber SuperTarget my card declined at checkout. I had my two kids with me. I was embarrassed and scared and I left the cart because I did not know what else to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four very large werewolves were behind me in line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of them sent another outside to make sure I did not leave without knowing I had not done anything wrong. They paid for my groceries, gave me a gift card for later, loaded everything into my car, and left before I could even properly thank them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They did not ask me to explain my whole life. They did not make me feel small. They did not make my kids afraid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know people talk about them because they are police and because of everything on the news. I just wanted people to know this too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They were kind when nobody had to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whoever you are, thank you. My kids ate dinner last night. I slept for the first time in days.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Thane stopped reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The room had changed while the words landed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s ears had lowered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas stared at the tablet like it had become heavier in Thane\u2019s paw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one spoke for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some things deserved quiet before jokes found them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally Gabriel cleared his throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFour very large werewolves,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s face was serious, but his mouth twitched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI appreciate the accurate category.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark took the tablet back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe did not include names, license plates, receipt details, or photos.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour first emotional response was privacy compliance?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy second response was that she slept.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That stopped the joke before it fully formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas set his bowl down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe wrote that her kids ate dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked toward the kitchen, then the pantry, then nowhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe wanted people to know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sat upright now, bowl forgotten beside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe also wanted them to know we didn\u2019t make her feel small.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s eyes lowered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat part mattered.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane watched him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked back at the tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople are commenting?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark scrolled carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre they being terrible?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome are trying.\u201d Mark\u2019s eyes moved. \u201cMost are not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He read a few aloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2018I saw them at checkout. They were respectful and quiet.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel lifted one paw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMostly quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark ignored him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2018I work with her cousin. She\u2019s had a hard month. Whoever helped, thank you.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2018This is why we love Cross Timber.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel whispered, \u201cThat one\u2019s going to make Mercer nervous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark scrolled again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His expression flattened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere is also one person asking whether this was staged.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel held out a paw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGive me the tablet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI just want to stage a response.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is why no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat would you say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled without humor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSomething educational and regrettable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane took a sip of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLeave it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe did a good thing by saying it. We can do a good thing by not becoming the comments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCorrect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked back at the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was real to her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane\u2019s voice softened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd now people know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas nodded slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he picked up his cereal again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel watched him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas took a bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swallowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s becoming your most suspicious answer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s mouth twitched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI learned from you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cUnfortunately.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAgain, murder is illegal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas smiled into his cereal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The morning kept going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The post stayed on Mark\u2019s tablet, open but not consuming the room. The den returned to its regular legal status as a hazard zone for crumbs and opinions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel ate directly from the cereal box after finishing his bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark objected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel said the bowl was emotionally exhausted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said bowls did not have emotional states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane said this one might.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas, after careful consideration, asked if \u201ccereal box custody\u201d had rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel said yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane said possession was nine-tenths of breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said that was not how law worked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel said it was how cereal worked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas listened to all of it with the expression of a wolf watching civilization decline and enjoying parts of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By noon, the den had achieved full Sunday form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel had migrated to the sofa and was now upside down with his legs over the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane had moved to the floor with a pillow against the sofa because the sofa had become Gabriel territory and because arguing took energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had finally given up on productivity and was reading something unrelated to police work with one eye still monitoring Gabriel\u2019s cereal crimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas lay stretched near the coffee table, chin on folded arms, eyes half closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The room smelled of coffee, cereal dust, fur, warm wood, and lazy peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel broke it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane did not open his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou do not know what I\u2019m going to say.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou started with \u2018so.\u2019 It means no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel rolled upright with the energy of someone who had been waiting too long to be irritating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have made an executive decision.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark lowered his tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou also do not know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExecutive decisions made by you on Sundays are unsafe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas lifted his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s grin appeared slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Too slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane opened one eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGabriel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI bought VIP tickets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane closed his eye again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith meet-and-greet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark sat forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked personally wounded that anyone had to ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTrivium.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The den went silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Thane opened both eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTonight?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn Tulsa?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou bought four VIP meet-and-greet tickets to a metal concert in Tulsa without asking anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel spread both paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane sat up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously? Again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAgain implies a pattern of excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt implies assuming we want activity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cWe do not universally want activity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho is Trivium?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The room froze with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel slowly turned his whole body toward Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat did you just say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s ears angled back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho is Trivium?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel put one paw over his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have failed this pack.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane said, \u201cYou failed it before this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo. This is bigger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMetal band. Gabriel is very attached.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery attached?\u201d Gabriel said. \u201cMark, I have shown restraint in this house for years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes. I have not made us listen to nearly enough Trivium.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou made us listen to three albums while replacing porch rail brackets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was healing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHealing can be Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas lifted his head a little more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre they good?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s mouth fell open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cThat is not a safe question.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou just gave him permission.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel crossed the room, crouched in front of Silas, and placed both paws on Silas\u2019s shoulders with theatrical seriousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSilas. My newly educated brother. Tonight, you will learn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked mildly alarmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo I need special clothes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked him over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBlack shirt. Done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cVenue logistics? Seating? Accessibility? Public reaction? Security?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel held up a finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHandled.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDefine handled.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI bought VIP. There is an assigned entrance. Meet-and-greet instructions. Early entry. Pit access. We drive the Humvee because Thane will anyway. We arrive early. We behave with dignity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhich one of us?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel ignored that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd we enjoy something loud that has nothing to do with court, guns, reporters, or grocery receipts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The room quieted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That last part landed better than the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked annoyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But not opposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was basically approval in Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel saw it too and attacked immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cYou are taking no prisoners.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCorrect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pumped both fists once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVIP check-in at six.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen nap with purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNap with purpose?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane got to his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am driving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cObviously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas stood too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShould I listen to them first?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel turned with alarming speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cOne or two songs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel said, \u201cA curated educational sequence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane headed toward the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTwo songs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSix.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTwo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFour.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThree,\u201d Silas said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is between.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMathematically.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThree-song primer accepted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane pointed at Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are learning too fast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s mouth twitched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPack survival.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel clapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExcellent. We begin with \u2018In Waves.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane went for more coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunday had become activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Against his will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBy the time they reached Tulsa that evening, Silas knew three Trivium songs, Gabriel had delivered a lecture on riffs, vocals, album progression, and the moral necessity of double bass, and Mark had corrected Gabriel twice on chronology despite claiming not to care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane drove the Humvee through downtown Tulsa with the calm confidence of a wolf in a military vehicle and the mild resentment of someone who had somehow become transportation for Gabriel\u2019s spiritual pilgrimage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tulsa Theater rose ahead of them, lit and busy, with concertgoers moving in clusters around the sidewalks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Black shirts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Band logos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Denim jackets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Long hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Piercings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People laughing, smoking, checking phones, lining up, scanning the street for friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Humvee got attention before they even parked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the doors opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attention became silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then whispers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stepped down like he had been born for this exact intersection of chaos and admiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTry not to look like federal cryptids,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel adjusted his black shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI look like a tasteful local legend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane climbed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas followed, ears moving as he absorbed the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No fear from most people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Excitement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few nerves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lot of beer, leather, cotton, perfume, sweat, hot pavement, and anticipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel breathed in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSmells like joy and poor hearing protection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cWe are using hearing protection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel held up a small case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know. I brought appropriate plugs because I contain responsible multitudes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not ruin this for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They moved toward the VIP entrance around the side, following the instructions on Gabriel\u2019s phone. A staff member in a black tour shirt stood near a small check-in table with a lanyard and a list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looked down at the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then back up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re\u2026 the Cross Timber wolves?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel beamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlso Trivium VIP guests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman laughed in surprise, not mockery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m Jenna, VIP coordinator. We heard you were coming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark\u2019s ears shifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHeard?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jenna held up her hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot in a bad way. Your names came through on the VIP list, and then someone recognized the city. A couple of the guys saw the national stories.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane\u2019s expression went carefully neutral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s went completely uncontrolled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe guys?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jenna smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe band.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas leaned toward Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs he okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark studied Gabriel\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane said, \u201cHe\u2019ll reboot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jenna checked her list, handed them laminated VIP passes, and looked at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust so you know, the band is pretty excited to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel made a small sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBreathe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel inhaled sharply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am breathing manually.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cThat is not preferable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jenna tried not to laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are ten meet-and-greet guests total tonight. We\u2019ll bring everyone in together. Photos first, then a few minutes for conversation and signing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded too fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNormal. Great. Totally normal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned toward Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe is not normal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at Gabriel with gentle concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI see that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They waited near the VIP entrance with six other fans and a couple who had driven from Wichita. At first, everyone tried very hard not to stare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That lasted maybe forty seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A man in a Trivium tour shirt finally said, \u201cAre you guys really the police wolves from Oklahoma City?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes. But tonight I am off duty and emotionally vulnerable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That broke the ice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Questions came carefully at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Were they really detectives?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Was Silas the one from the court coverage?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did they mind photos later?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did they actually like metal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel answered the last one with the offended dignity of a priest defending doctrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSir, I did not come here in spiritual ignorance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cHe played a three-song primer in the Humvee.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man looked at Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is loud.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pressed one paw over his heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe means powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPowerful loud.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Jenna opened the door and waved them inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel went silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was how Thane knew it was serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBackstage smelled different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Less crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Black fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guitar cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bottled water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Energy drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Old wood from the theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hallway opened into a room set for the meet-and-greet: backdrop, lights, stools, a table for signing, and four members of Trivium standing near it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stopped walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nearly bumped into him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMove.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, you can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have ascended.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cYou are blocking traffic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas gently put one paw on Gabriel\u2019s shoulder and moved him forward three inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel whispered, \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The band looked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For one second, the fan and celebrity directions became unclear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt Heafy stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then smiled wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is officially the coolest meet-and-greet we\u2019ve had in a while.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel made a noise that was not language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corey Beaulieu laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you Gabriel?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnswer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel swallowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes. I am. Hello. Huge fan. I\u2019m being normal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paolo Gregoletto grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot sure you are, but that\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alex Bent looked at Thane, then Silas, then Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou guys are huge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel recovered enough to point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAccurate and concise. That\u2019s Mark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt stepped forward and offered a hand to Thane first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane took it carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood to meet you too,\u201d Matt said. \u201cGlad you\u2019re okay, man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The words were simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStill attached.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corey laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI saw people saying that online.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel spun toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt has gone national.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane closed his eyes briefly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGreat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt shook Gabriel\u2019s paw next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked like the universe had handed him a sacred relic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have so many questions and I am going to try not to ask them all at once.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAsk away,\u201d Matt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel opened his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark placed one paw on his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOne at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight. Yes. One. At. A. Time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas shook hands more carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt looked at him without hesitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSilas, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s face shifted at the easy use of his name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alex leaned slightly, curious but respectful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I ask a wolf question?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas glanced at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDepends on the question.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alex nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFair. Does hearing protection work the same for you, or do you need something different?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark immediately looked interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked proud of the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is\u2026 a good question.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane said, \u201cWe brought plugs. We hear more, but loud is still loud.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark added, \u201cImpulse and sustained volume affect us differently, but protection is still useful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alex nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMakes sense. Drums are not gentle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paolo looked at Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou brought them to a Trivium show after a shooting and court week?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel spread both paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corey grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s one way to reset.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane said, \u201cHe did not ask us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe just bought tickets?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cVIP tickets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel lifted his chin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith meet-and-greet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paolo looked impressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStrong move.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane said, \u201cCriminally presumptuous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel turned to the band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou see what I live with?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou seem loved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That shut Gabriel up for half a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he smiled back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other meet-and-greet guests watched with delight, not resentment. It was impossible not to know the room had tilted toward the wolves, but the wolves did not hoard it. Gabriel pulled the Wichita couple into conversation about favorite albums. Mark took a photo for a fan whose hands were shaking. Silas signed nothing because no one asked him to sign anything, then looked astonished when someone did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMe?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman holding the tour poster nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll of you, if that\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at the marker like it was evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWrite your name.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know how signing works.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas glared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel whispered, \u201cHe is entering celebrity logistics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas carefully signed Silas<\/strong> in a corner of the poster, leaving room for everyone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman smiled like he had given her something rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then came photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The band took photos with the VIP guests first, the regular way, because Jenna was a professional and refused to let joy become disorder. Then the wolves joined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first photo was all four wolves with all four band members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stood beside Matt and looked like he might actually leave his body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt put an arm around Gabriel\u2019s back carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou good?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The camera flashed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the band wanted one on their own phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Corey wanted one with Thane because, as he put it, \u201cyou look like the final boss who joined the party.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel said, \u201cThat is the best compliment he has ever received.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cIt is not inaccurate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas took one with Alex and Paolo, both of whom asked whether it was okay before standing close. That mattered. Silas said yes. He looked stiff in the first photo and better in the second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Matt looked at Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo what is Kaden Face?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s eyes went enormous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt looked between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve heard of it. Is that rude to ask?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel turned to Thane with the expression of a man witnessing history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou have to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corey laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow we need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cIt is a controlled intimidating facial expression originally requested by a child named Kaden and later generalized beyond our control.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paolo stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat explanation was amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot helping.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s mouth twitched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned close to Matt like sharing forbidden knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is very safe. Very controlled. Very stupid. Very beloved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan we get a Kaden Face photo?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at the ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jenna said, \u201cOnly if everyone is comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFine. Small one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel clapped once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The setup took thirty seconds and somehow felt like a state ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stood in the center with Matt and Gabriel on either side. Corey and Paolo leaned in. Alex crouched slightly in front with drumsticks crossed like weapons, entirely too pleased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark stayed just off to the side, observing like a man documenting an extinction event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas stood behind Gabriel, smiling despite himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane lowered his head, narrowed his eyes, opened his mouth enough to show fangs, and let a low growl roll under the camera flash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not loud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perfectly controlled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The room erupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The VIP guests cheered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt looked at the photo and laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at it over his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is going on my wall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane straightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt held up his phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll send it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe band has spoken.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cThat does not create property rights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corey leaned toward Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not pushing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel suddenly quieted too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then crouched slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSmall one,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He did his version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Less practiced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Darker around the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A low growl that began too real and then softened into theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The room went still for half a heartbeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Alex grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s sick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas straightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood sick?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery good sick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked relieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked emotional enough that Mark moved between him and further speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meet-and-greet moved on, but the room never quite returned to normal. The band asked them about being wolves. About hearing. About claws. About whether they could wear boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Thane said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNever,\u201d Gabriel said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPhysiologically incompatible,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShoes are bad,\u201d Silas added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStrong stance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel asked about guitar tone, touring fatigue, old setlists, new material, and whether there was a riff that still felt good every single time. Matt answered seriously. Corey jumped in. Paolo teased. Alex talked drums with the kind of controlled enthusiasm that made Gabriel look almost calm by comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Almost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Jenna finally gave the gentle signal that the meet-and-greet needed to wrap, Gabriel looked devastated and fulfilled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt shook his paw again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGlad you came, man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s voice went quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMe too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt looked at all of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood reset.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corey pointed at Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTake care of this one. He\u2019s vibrating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cWe\u2019ve noticed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs this what fanboy means?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel turned slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is intense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paolo laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou have no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe show hit like weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not bad weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lights cut through the theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crowd surged, shouted, lifted hands, moved as one restless creature under the first thunder of guitars and drums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The VIP pit area was close enough that Gabriel looked stunned all over again when the band took the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stood slightly behind him, partly to avoid blocking anyone smaller than himself and partly because Gabriel deserved the front of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark stood with hearing protection properly seated and eyes alert despite himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas stood near Thane, taking in the bass through his ribs, the lights, the crowd, the smell of sweat and excitement and harmless chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shouted every word he knew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which was most of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane watched him and felt something in his chest loosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not because the music was gentle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because Gabriel was happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not relieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not managing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not making jokes over blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few songs in, after a roar of applause, Matt stepped to the mic and scanned the front rows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His eyes found Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stopped moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis next one goes out to Gabriel and the Cross Timber wolves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crowd erupted before he finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s face went blank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane leaned toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBreathe manually.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel grabbed Thane\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe said my name.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark leaned in from the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe said my name.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas, on Gabriel\u2019s left, said, \u201cI heard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid everyone hear?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crowd was still cheering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matt raised one hand toward them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGlad you\u2019re still here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the song began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nearly died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not medically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emotionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He shouted until his voice cracked. He raised both paws. He looked, for the length of that song, like every terrible thing the last weeks had carried had been blasted backward by guitars, drums, lights, and the impossible fact that a band he loved had pointed straight at him and made joy public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stayed beside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark pretended not to enjoy the song as much as he did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas watched Gabriel for half the first chorus, then looked at the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By the second chorus, Silas was moving with the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not wildly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not like Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A nod.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A rhythm finding him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane saw and smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel saw too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He pointed at Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas laughed and kept moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The concert rolled on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Song after song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At one point, a young man near the rail turned around, saw Thane behind him, and shouted, \u201cThis is the safest pit ever!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shouted back, \u201cEmotionally untrue!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark, somehow audible to all three wolves, said, \u201cDo not create a false sense of security around impact risks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young man stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then laughed and turned back around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas leaned toward Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDoes Mark always police fun?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cI heard that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel shouted, \u201cGood!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final song left the crowd raw and bright. The band threw picks and sticks. Gabriel caught nothing and declared the universe unjust. Then Alex pointed directly toward their side and tossed a drumstick underhand with obvious intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas reached up without thinking and caught it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at the drumstick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then at Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSilas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas held it out immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel took it like a sacred object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI love you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou can have it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know. That\u2019s why.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at the drumstick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHigh-velocity souvenir successfully intercepted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel hugged it to his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo one call it that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThey left Tulsa late, hoarse and tired and lit from the inside by something that had nothing to do with emergency lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Humvee smelled like fur, sweat, concert smoke from other people\u2019s clothes, merch ink, and Gabriel\u2019s happiness, which was apparently its own scent now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sat in the passenger seat clutching a signed VIP laminate, a shirt, and the drumstick Silas had caught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am never recovering,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane drove through the dark highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark sat in the back with his arms folded, trying to look dignified while wearing a Trivium shirt Gabriel had bought him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It did not work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas sat beside him in his own new shirt, looking down at the logo across his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI liked it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel turned so fast the seatbelt locked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou did?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFavorite song?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe one where you almost died.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat narrows it less than you think.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled at the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cThe dedication song.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned back, glowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExcellent choice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They drove for a while in companionable exhaustion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tulsa lights fell behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highway opened ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunday became Monday at some point without asking permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked out the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople can be strange.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel murmured, \u201cProfound.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas continued, \u201cThis morning, a woman wrote about groceries. Tonight, a band asked for pictures with us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cBoth are forms of being seen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark shrugged slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOne quieter than the other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane glanced at Silas in the mirror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBoth real.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel lifted the drumstick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd one had better lighting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cThe Target lighting was more consistent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel turned slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not compare Target fluorescents to concert lighting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI already did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His shoulder did not hurt when he did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That felt worth noticing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They reached the cabin after midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The repaired deck waited under soft exterior lights. The trees stood dark and ordinary beyond them. The cameras watched without making the house feel watched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside, the den accepted them back with the quiet patience of wood, blankets, old coffee, and too many cereal boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel placed the drumstick on the mantel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark immediately objected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt does not belong there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stood in front of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt belongs spiritually.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSpiritually is not a placement category.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at the mantel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI caught it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWitness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt may remain temporarily.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVictory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane dropped onto the sofa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not from pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas sat on the floor nearby, still wearing the shirt, still faintly smelling of concert and happiness and too much sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel lowered himself onto the rug with exaggerated care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have met Trivium. Matt said my name. Silas caught me a drumstick. The wolves were dedicated a song. I can die now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane opened one eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFine. Tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cAlso no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are not allowed to die. You need to explain more songs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s face softened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then brightened dangerously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can do that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane pointed at Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou did this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a while, they did not move toward bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They sat in the den with ears still ringing lightly despite protection, bodies tired in the good way, the kind that came from music instead of violence, from standing in a crowd instead of behind tape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The young mother\u2019s post still existed somewhere online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Target receipt was probably on the kitchen island because Gabriel had declared it historically important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A signed laminate and drumstick now occupied disputed mantel territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Court was over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The groceries were put away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The day had been loud, kind, ridiculous, and deeply unnecessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which made it perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally Thane stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel groaned from the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCarry me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSilas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMark?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark was already walking down the hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo one respects art.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane headed toward the hallway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behind him, Gabriel eventually got up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas followed, still smiling a little to himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark turned off the great room lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The den went dim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside, the trees stayed quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside, the pack went to bed tired, safe, and full of noise that had nothing to do with danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For one Sunday, that was more than enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sunday morning found them exactly where Sunday morning had a legal obligation to find them. In the den. Not working. Not healing. Not testifying. Just existing in the loose, unreasonable sprawl of a pack that had survived too many serious things and was determined to disrespect furniture about it. Thane occupied the sofa with one […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":3,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-773","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-off-the-clock"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/773","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=773"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/773\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":791,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/773\/revisions\/791"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=773"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=773"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}