Shaggy shifted his claws back to normal and placed a calming hand on Rita’s shoulder. She looked ready to charge. Nearby, the kid on watch was wielding a table leg and looking confused. Shaggy briefly thought about bringing him a baton. But Vance’s grumbling brought him back around. The biker was trying to inspect his forearms without taking off his leather jacket. Shaggy growled.
“What the hell, Vance!? Seriously? What was that about?”
Vance plucked at the cut marks on his jacket before he answered. “I was just testing ya. I walked by your freaking lookout four times. At least when I attacked, you blocked this time.”
“I could have taken your head off!”
“I don’t think so.” Vance grinned. “But your claws have gotten pretty sharp there, pup. What the hell have you been fighting?”
Shaggy shifted a hand and grinned as he twisted the black and red claws in the fading light. “They have grown nicely. Little gift from a Blood God.”
Vance raised an eyebrow. “I’d be careful when messing with them gods. A lot of people don’t like Were’s in general. You add a cursed or blessed one to the mix and they’ll riot on principle.”
“Boss?” Rita growled.
The woman still looked ready to attack. Her silver sword was held straight, like she was going to stab at Vance at any moment. Shaggy could feel her tension over the link. In fact, Vick was rushing up here from the tunnels too, by the feel of it. Shaggy sighed and pushed Rita’s arm down. He sent calming vibes to his pack and tried to explain.
“Long story. But this is my absentee Werewolf mentor. He’s an asshole, but he’s alright.”
Vance waved and kicked a table over. Grabbing a chair, he nodded at Rita. “Good choice on a pack member, kid. Always need one that questions you.”
“Honestly, that feels like most of them.” Shaggy said as he grabbed his own chair and set it at the table.
Nearby, the maintenance door banged open and Vick ran into the room. K-Tech rifle humming in his hands. Behind him, Levy was stumbling to keep up. Hand alight with magic. Shaggy sighed as Rita waved down Vick. But the Sharpshooter kept his gun leveled at Vance. Vance grinned at the ominous blue glow at the end of the rifle.
“It’s fine, Vick.” Shaggy said, keeping his eyes on Vance. “Levy, there’s water around here somewhere.”
“I’m… wheeze… Fine.”
Shaggy rolled his eyes as he heard several teens scramble into the deli. He had Vick and Rita corral everyone, as he kept staring at Vance. The older man was watching the proceedings over Shaggy’s shoulder and grinning wolfishly. His sharp canines gleamed in what little light there was. After he had seen enough, Vance returned his gaze to Shaggy. He brought up his arm and pointed.
“You owe me a new coat.”
“Fuck you. That thing was in tatters when I met you.”
“Just means it had character.” Vance sniffed. “Besides, it didn’t have these until you made them.”
“Which I wouldn’t have to do if you just walked in and said ‘hi.’” Shaggy shrugged. “That won’t do for old man, Vance, will it? No! He has to come rushing in swinging. Well, action. Meet consequence.”
“Bah! You new damn batch of Were’s have no respect. The lot of you are like a bunch of unruly children. Even had to smack a few of you around recently.”
“That seems to be your M.O.” Shaggy chuckled as Levy brought him a drink. “Thanks, Love.”
Shaggy kissed his wife’s hand as she stared daggers at Vance. The old biker took the glare in stride and nodded hello. Levy snorted and said nothing as her eyes glowed purple. Shaggy patted her arm a few times in a calming gesture.
“It’s fine, Levy. He’s an asshole, but he’d never hurt me. Well, at least not too bad.”
“Pfft! I don’t care about that! He interrupted me while I was building my dream house! I had to pause everything to come up here and save your ass.”
Shaggy grunted. “Oh please! I would’ve been fine. You didn’t need to rush up here. Besides, Vick was rushing with one of the new guns. Things would’ve been handled.”
“Kid,” Vance said. “Do those things work well on you?”
Shaggy shook his head. “Not really. They sting though.”
“So what the hell was one going to do against me?”
“Distract you long enough for me to shred your wardrobe?” Shaggy shrugged.
Vance snorted as Levy patted Shaggy’s arm and walked away. “I’m going back downstairs. Rita, can you get the supply train moving again? Vick, you’re on watch.”
“Yes, Mistress.” Both wolves said.
Shaggy almost turned as he felt his pack’s loyalty to his wife. But he quickly shook it off. They always seemed to like her more. Maybe it was a pack thing. Vance watched the exchange before he raised his eyebrows at Shaggy.
“A drow wife? Don’t know if you’re lucky or cursed.”
Shaggy tilted his head questioningly, but Vance just waved him off. Nearby, Vick kicked a few chairs and tables away as he patrolled around the deli’s windows. Once he did a full circuit of the interior, he went outside. Large energy weapon still held at his side. Vance turned and watched Vick leave before saying.
“Another good choice. He has sharp eyes.”
Shaggy sighed. “Why are you here, Vance?”
“I figured at this point you should have a good pack under you. So you might be ready to turn them. Unless you already did, in which case you have to hurry.”
“Hurry?” Shaggy’s ears perked up at the older man’s tone.
“Yeah. Since you’ve got a pack under you now, you need to introduce yourself to one of the ruling bodies.”
“What ruling bodies? You mean the government? Cause I haven’t exactly been a good boy here.” Shaggy chuckled.
Vance joined in as Vick came back into the deli through the side entrance. “Yeah, judging by the hardware, I’d think not. But I didn’t mean the HLO or City Hall or anything. I meant one of the bigger packs. Remember, I told you there were three. Two Magical and One for the Mutts. You need to introduce yourself to the Mongrels’ Alpha. He monitors the Mutts around Austin and makes sure they know to stay away from the Purists.”
“Why him and not one of the Magical factions?”
Vance got a sour look on his face. “It’s all part of that purity of Werewolf race nonsense. The purist hate Mutts and they’d do anything to get you thrown out of Austin. Maybe even Texas. They can’t touch you legally. But they’d snipe at you till you did something stupid. But only if you let them know about you. With the Mongrels, you’re starting with a leg up. Because you are already one of them. Wayne’s a good guy, he won’t out ya to the purist and he’ll leave ya to your work. Whatever it is.”
Vance’s eyes followed Vick as he did another lap around the deli. Shaggy thought over Vance’s word and sighed. It was another thing to add to the ever-growing list. But it didn’t sound like it would take that long. All he had to do was present his pack and then come back. Wouldn’t even take all day. Maybe he’d even meet some other therianthropes. Once Vick was back through the front door, Vance returned his gaze to Shaggy.
“So I just need to meet this Wayne guy and we’re square?”
Vance shrugged. “Well, you’ll have to tell him where you are working out of. Nothing specific, just general stuff. Once he knows that, he’ll tell you if any other wolves are running in your area. What you do from there is your business. Wolves are territorial, so you might butt heads with other wolves. But maybe there’s another type of Were in your area that you won’t have a problem with. He’ll give you that info and explain some of the more politic aspects of being a Were in Austin. I don’t have the head or patience for all that nonsense.”
“When do I need to meet him?”
“Soon as possible, really? The last thing you want is to be found out by the Purist without Wayne’s protection. Just get it done, kid.”
With that, Vance stood and looked around. “Now that’s out of the way. Where can I get a bite? I’m famished.”
Shaggy looked around. Outside, he could see Vick patrolling in front of the deli. The sky was getting darker and Shaggy wondered if they should get another person on watch. Although they still had the grocery job to do. Suddenly, Vick ran around to the side of the building, just as Shaggy heard the door open. Two exhausted looking teens came rushing in, followed by a beast of a figure. Cekrass’ tongue was lolling out of his serpentine head. The trio looked like they had run all the way here as Vick came rushing through the door.
“Boss, we need two guards up here.” Vick said lamely.
Shaggy nodded in agreement as Luis and Mari collected themselves. Vance sniffed them as Cekrass moved toward Shaggy. The big lizard looked fine, if a little paler than usual.
“Boss, we got spotted. But I think we lost them.”
“Did they know what you were scouting?” Shaggy asked worriedly.
“Naw…” Luis huffed. “They were watching the road on the way back. We skirted around them to be safe and then booked it back here.”
“So the grocery store is still a good target?”
Mari just raised a thumb as she tried to catch her breath. Luis and Cekrass nodded, confirming that they were a go. Vance straightened as he stopped sniffing the teens.
“Groceries? You going shopping, pup?”
“Robbing.” Shaggy corrected.
Vance rolled his eyes. “Why do you lot smell like a bunch of mixed animals?”
Shaggy raised an eyebrow but pointed at Cekrass. “Well, he’s in my pack…”
“No, I mean like other animals. Bears, tigers, and I think a… goat? What have you been up to?”
“Maybe it’s the Wild Bunch? We were just in their territory.” Luis guessed.
Vance nodded grimly. “Oh. Those dumbasses.” Turning to Shaggy, he nodded. “If you’re fucking with those punks, I’ll come along. Bunch of Mutts gives the rest of you a bad name. Plus, if you take them down a few pegs, you’ll look even better with Wayne.”
Shaggy shrugged. “The more the merrier.”
At his words, Mari snapped her head up excitedly. He was about to correct himself when he thought about it. The kids needed something to do, and many hands made light work. Between the lot of them, they could carry a bunch of crap out of there. Cekrass and Vick nodded at his thoughts. Shaggy thought about logistics when two more people sprinted through the open side door. Sybil was hefting a slumped over Tom and for a second Shaggy was worried.
That was until Sybil dumped Tom down on the tile floor of the deli. Tom let out a groan as Sybil blew out a breath.
“There! We’re here! You can drag your ass down the tunnel.”
“Oh, come on! I’m wounded! I can’t walk by myself.”
Shaggy sniffed the air and looked over at Tom, searching for any injury. When he didn’t find any, he turned to Sybil. The woman collected herself and aimed a kick at the prone Tom. It landed with a meaty thud and Sybil looked back at Shaggy.
“The drones opened fire as we parked the truck. I don’t think we got scanned. But genius here took a few zaps to the back. I drug him to a sewer entrance and we made our way here. I’m pretty sure we got away clean.”
As Tom lay groaning on the floor, Vick aimed another kick at him. “Lazy fuck, the burn wounds from a K-Tech rifle healed quickly. Why wouldn’t a drone laser?”
Tom sat up, looking affronted. “It was a K-Tech drone! It had a super-powerful laser, for sure. I was practically dead. If I hadn’t spotted the manhole cover, Sybil would’ve never been able to drag us out of there.”
Shaggy shook his head as Sybil and Vick started to swat and kick Tom. He turned to Vance and shrugged his shoulders. Behind the old man, he saw more teens and Rita coming back for more supplies. He waved a finger in the air, trying to get everyone's attention.
“Everyone, grab something and head back down. We’ll let everyone know that grocery shopping is about to begin and anyone that want’s to can come.”
“Are you sure about that, boss? Twenty-some odd people are going to look strange traveling at night.” Vick said.
“We’ll stagger it. Two groups of ten or so. That way, if we run into gang trouble, we can handle it. I want some of the pack with each group. Sound good?”
His pack nodded as the teens looked a little dumbstruck at being invited. Mari was almost vibrating with glee. Rita was already grabbing things off the nearby pallets. As she did, she brought up another point.
“We will still want people here. If not in the deli, then in the tunnel. Maybe with some of those rifles. Just as a guard.”
Shaggy nodded and waved at Luis and Mari. “You know the kids best. Pick a handful that don’t want to go. But for now, start grabbing supplies.”
They all fell about collecting stuff. Even Vance, the old werewolf, grinned as he picked up an entire pallet and winked at Shaggy. Cekrass attempted the same feat and smiled as his new strength allowed him to match the old Were. Shaggy shook his head and shoved a bunch of piping into Tom’s arms. The lanky Were looked ready to complain, but a sharp mental jab over the pack link made him shut up. Vick opted to stay topside and even grabbed a kid to help keep watch. Shaggy nodded as he passed the Sharpshooter and heading back to the cave.
There was a general energy amongst everyone as they traveled. Shaggy guessed that the kids were excited at the prospect of work. Or maybe at a chance to grab food. Either way, they moved with a passion that had Shaggy chuckling and Rita pissed off. The sword woman looked ready to scream as several of the tired teens now ran past her. Shaggy could see and feel how much Rita was holding back. He sent her calming vibes again and tried to remind her that the kids still needed training. She could take her revenge there.
While she looked startled at the thought of teaching the kids to fight. Shaggy saw a wicked grin appear on her face. He briefly wondered what he had unleashed, but he shook it off as he watched Vance turn a pallet sideways to get it into a tunnel. Dirt and rocks fell from the walls as they moved their payload closer to the cavern. Once they arrived, the teens all dropped their stuff and ran off. Shouting for their friends. Luis and Mari hurried to explain things to everyone as Shaggy’s pack organized everything.
Levy was back at the terminal and Shaggy waved the others off as he went to talk to her. Vance and Vick were in silent conversation. As Sybil glared at Tom, making sure he was working. Rita ran off toward the kids, trying to keep them organized. Cekrass was moving some of the bigger pallets closer to Levy. Looking around at all the kids and his pack working away at their own small community they build made him smile. It also reminded him of Under-Town. They really needed to get back in contact with everyone.
“Almost got this figured out.” Levy said as he approached.
Shaggy glanced around at all the wood planks and cement bags. She even had a few small potted plants dotted around the terminal. He raised an eyebrow in question, but Levy was too enthralled with the terminal screen to notice. So instead he asked.
“Is this going to be enough stuff?”
“Of course not. For everything I’ve got planned, we’ll need much more. But it’s a start. Also, you don’t want to hit too many trucks in a row. Better to make them relax before we steal more stuff.”
Shaggy grinned. “Well, me and the pack were about to head out to steal more stuff. Did you want in?”
Surprisingly, Levy shook her head. “Can’t. I have to watch the fairy. She’s still been in and out, and I don’t want to leave her here. Besides, I can get this place set up. Maybe even get some power down here and light things up.”
“How?”
Levy held up the pink crystal they had gotten from Jerruza's house. “This can power a few things down here. I’d have to keep it topped up, magically. But as long as we don’t drain it, we should be fine. The terminal even recognizes it, so that’s a plus.”
Shaggy shrugged. “Alright. I leave all of this in your more than capable hands. Although I was thinking, while we wait for things to blow over. I might want to check on Under-Town to see how everyone’s doing.”
“Oh, things have been going great. A few of my witches showed up and they are helping the guys with the bar. They also got into an altercation with the Quinica, but Vlad and Ren have it handled.”
Shaggy blinked. “How did you contact them? Magic?”
Levy spun and searched his face for something. Not seeing it, she snorted. “Are you serious?!”
She threw a small object at his chest and, unthinking; he caught it. Looking down, his eyes fell on a small rectangle that he had seen before. Levy’s phone. Shaggy slapped his face so hard the sound echoed throughout the cave. People even turned to look. Off in the distance, he could hear members of his pack cackling. Shaggy swallowed his embarrassment and handed the phone back to Levy.
“How do you always forget about in-game communication?”
“Cause I’m focused on the here and now! Not on the things that aren’t in front of me!” Shaggy complained.
Levy snorted again and returned to the terminal. As she did, she asked. “Was there a message you wanted me to pass along? My witch friends have also started preparing phones for your friends. They need to come topside to steal or buy them, anyway.”
“Ask Vlad if they can spare Ephemara. I need my Number One Henchman here.”
Levy nodded. “Right. To complete your anime harem.”
Shaggy slapped himself again. “She’s an invisible woman that has a decent head on her shoulders. Even if she enjoys a little carnage. I need to make her part of my pack.”
“Sure sure. Whatever you say, sweetheart. I’ll pass it along. Maybe we can send for more supplies too. We essentially have two homes now. I want to see about connecting them.”
“Can you do that? With like portals or something?”
“Portal magic is beyond me. But it’s not an uncommon school. I could look into it or get one of my Witch friends to see what they can find. I’m on the magic stuff, hun. You go keep thinking about the here and now.”
Shaggy grumbled but gave his wife a kiss and turned back toward his pack. He ignored their grinning faces and waved them toward the exit. Even a few kids were smirking at him. He wanted to smack the little shits, but it was fair play. He HAD forgotten about the damn phones. As Rita openly laughed and Vance chuckled at him, Shaggy and the large group of teens left to rob a grocery store.
Shaggy shifted his claws back to normal and placed a calming hand on Rita’s shoulder. She looked ready to charge. Nearby, the kid on watch was wielding a table leg and looking confused. Shaggy briefly thought about bringing him a baton. But Vance’s grumbling brought him back around. The biker was trying to inspect his forearms without taking off his leather jacket. Shaggy growled.
“What the hell, Vance!? Seriously? What was that about?”
Vance plucked at the cut marks on his jacket before he answered. “I was just testing ya. I walked by your freaking lookout four times. At least when I attacked, you blocked this time.”
“I could have taken your head off!”
“I don’t think so.” Vance grinned. “But your claws have gotten pretty sharp there, pup. What the hell have you been fighting?”
Shaggy shifted a hand and grinned as he twisted the black and red claws in the fading light. “They have grown nicely. Little gift from a Blood God.”
Vance raised an eyebrow. “I’d be careful when messing with them gods. A lot of people don’t like Were’s in general. You add a cursed or blessed one to the mix and they’ll riot on principle.”
“Boss?” Rita growled.
The woman still looked ready to attack. Her silver sword was held straight, like she was going to stab at Vance at any moment. Shaggy could feel her tension over the link. In fact, Vick was rushing up here from the tunnels too, by the feel of it. Shaggy sighed and pushed Rita’s arm down. He sent calming vibes to his pack and tried to explain.
“Long story. But this is my absentee Werewolf mentor. He’s an asshole, but he’s alright.”
Vance waved and kicked a table over. Grabbing a chair, he nodded at Rita. “Good choice on a pack member, kid. Always need one that questions you.”
“Honestly, that feels like most of them.” Shaggy said as he grabbed his own chair and set it at the table.
Nearby, the maintenance door banged open and Vick ran into the room. K-Tech rifle humming in his hands. Behind him, Levy was stumbling to keep up. Hand alight with magic. Shaggy sighed as Rita waved down Vick. But the Sharpshooter kept his gun leveled at Vance. Vance grinned at the ominous blue glow at the end of the rifle.
“It’s fine, Vick.” Shaggy said, keeping his eyes on Vance. “Levy, there’s water around here somewhere.”
“I’m… wheeze… Fine.”
Shaggy rolled his eyes as he heard several teens scramble into the deli. He had Vick and Rita corral everyone, as he kept staring at Vance. The older man was watching the proceedings over Shaggy’s shoulder and grinning wolfishly. His sharp canines gleamed in what little light there was. After he had seen enough, Vance returned his gaze to Shaggy. He brought up his arm and pointed.
“You owe me a new coat.”
“Fuck you. That thing was in tatters when I met you.”
“Just means it had character.” Vance sniffed. “Besides, it didn’t have these until you made them.”
“Which I wouldn’t have to do if you just walked in and said ‘hi.’” Shaggy shrugged. “That won’t do for old man, Vance, will it? No! He has to come rushing in swinging. Well, action. Meet consequence.”
“Bah! You new damn batch of Were’s have no respect. The lot of you are like a bunch of unruly children. Even had to smack a few of you around recently.”
“That seems to be your M.O.” Shaggy chuckled as Levy brought him a drink. “Thanks, Love.”
Shaggy kissed his wife’s hand as she stared daggers at Vance. The old biker took the glare in stride and nodded hello. Levy snorted and said nothing as her eyes glowed purple. Shaggy patted her arm a few times in a calming gesture.
“It’s fine, Levy. He’s an asshole, but he’d never hurt me. Well, at least not too bad.”
“Pfft! I don’t care about that! He interrupted me while I was building my dream house! I had to pause everything to come up here and save your ass.”
Shaggy grunted. “Oh please! I would’ve been fine. You didn’t need to rush up here. Besides, Vick was rushing with one of the new guns. Things would’ve been handled.”
“Kid,” Vance said. “Do those things work well on you?”
Shaggy shook his head. “Not really. They sting though.”
“So what the hell was one going to do against me?”
“Distract you long enough for me to shred your wardrobe?” Shaggy shrugged.
Vance snorted as Levy patted Shaggy’s arm and walked away. “I’m going back downstairs. Rita, can you get the supply train moving again? Vick, you’re on watch.”
“Yes, Mistress.” Both wolves said.
Shaggy almost turned as he felt his pack’s loyalty to his wife. But he quickly shook it off. They always seemed to like her more. Maybe it was a pack thing. Vance watched the exchange before he raised his eyebrows at Shaggy.
“A drow wife? Don’t know if you’re lucky or cursed.”
Shaggy tilted his head questioningly, but Vance just waved him off. Nearby, Vick kicked a few chairs and tables away as he patrolled around the deli’s windows. Once he did a full circuit of the interior, he went outside. Large energy weapon still held at his side. Vance turned and watched Vick leave before saying.
“Another good choice. He has sharp eyes.”
Shaggy sighed. “Why are you here, Vance?”
“I figured at this point you should have a good pack under you. So you might be ready to turn them. Unless you already did, in which case you have to hurry.”
“Hurry?” Shaggy’s ears perked up at the older man’s tone.
“Yeah. Since you’ve got a pack under you now, you need to introduce yourself to one of the ruling bodies.”
“What ruling bodies? You mean the government? Cause I haven’t exactly been a good boy here.” Shaggy chuckled.
Vance joined in as Vick came back into the deli through the side entrance. “Yeah, judging by the hardware, I’d think not. But I didn’t mean the HLO or City Hall or anything. I meant one of the bigger packs. Remember, I told you there were three. Two Magical and One for the Mutts. You need to introduce yourself to the Mongrels’ Alpha. He monitors the Mutts around Austin and makes sure they know to stay away from the Purists.”
“Why him and not one of the Magical factions?”
Vance got a sour look on his face. “It’s all part of that purity of Werewolf race nonsense. The purist hate Mutts and they’d do anything to get you thrown out of Austin. Maybe even Texas. They can’t touch you legally. But they’d snipe at you till you did something stupid. But only if you let them know about you. With the Mongrels, you’re starting with a leg up. Because you are already one of them. Wayne’s a good guy, he won’t out ya to the purist and he’ll leave ya to your work. Whatever it is.”
Vance’s eyes followed Vick as he did another lap around the deli. Shaggy thought over Vance’s word and sighed. It was another thing to add to the ever-growing list. But it didn’t sound like it would take that long. All he had to do was present his pack and then come back. Wouldn’t even take all day. Maybe he’d even meet some other therianthropes. Once Vick was back through the front door, Vance returned his gaze to Shaggy.
“So I just need to meet this Wayne guy and we’re square?”
Vance shrugged. “Well, you’ll have to tell him where you are working out of. Nothing specific, just general stuff. Once he knows that, he’ll tell you if any other wolves are running in your area. What you do from there is your business. Wolves are territorial, so you might butt heads with other wolves. But maybe there’s another type of Were in your area that you won’t have a problem with. He’ll give you that info and explain some of the more politic aspects of being a Were in Austin. I don’t have the head or patience for all that nonsense.”
“When do I need to meet him?”
“Soon as possible, really? The last thing you want is to be found out by the Purist without Wayne’s protection. Just get it done, kid.”
With that, Vance stood and looked around. “Now that’s out of the way. Where can I get a bite? I’m famished.”
Shaggy looked around. Outside, he could see Vick patrolling in front of the deli. The sky was getting darker and Shaggy wondered if they should get another person on watch. Although they still had the grocery job to do. Suddenly, Vick ran around to the side of the building, just as Shaggy heard the door open. Two exhausted looking teens came rushing in, followed by a beast of a figure. Cekrass’ tongue was lolling out of his serpentine head. The trio looked like they had run all the way here as Vick came rushing through the door.
“Boss, we need two guards up here.” Vick said lamely.
Shaggy nodded in agreement as Luis and Mari collected themselves. Vance sniffed them as Cekrass moved toward Shaggy. The big lizard looked fine, if a little paler than usual.
“Boss, we got spotted. But I think we lost them.”
“Did they know what you were scouting?” Shaggy asked worriedly.
“Naw…” Luis huffed. “They were watching the road on the way back. We skirted around them to be safe and then booked it back here.”
“So the grocery store is still a good target?”
Mari just raised a thumb as she tried to catch her breath. Luis and Cekrass nodded, confirming that they were a go. Vance straightened as he stopped sniffing the teens.
“Groceries? You going shopping, pup?”
“Robbing.” Shaggy corrected.
Vance rolled his eyes. “Why do you lot smell like a bunch of mixed animals?”
Shaggy raised an eyebrow but pointed at Cekrass. “Well, he’s in my pack…”
“No, I mean like other animals. Bears, tigers, and I think a… goat? What have you been up to?”
“Maybe it’s the Wild Bunch? We were just in their territory.” Luis guessed.
Vance nodded grimly. “Oh. Those dumbasses.” Turning to Shaggy, he nodded. “If you’re fucking with those punks, I’ll come along. Bunch of Mutts gives the rest of you a bad name. Plus, if you take them down a few pegs, you’ll look even better with Wayne.”
Shaggy shrugged. “The more the merrier.”
At his words, Mari snapped her head up excitedly. He was about to correct himself when he thought about it. The kids needed something to do, and many hands made light work. Between the lot of them, they could carry a bunch of crap out of there. Cekrass and Vick nodded at his thoughts. Shaggy thought about logistics when two more people sprinted through the open side door. Sybil was hefting a slumped over Tom and for a second Shaggy was worried.
That was until Sybil dumped Tom down on the tile floor of the deli. Tom let out a groan as Sybil blew out a breath.
“There! We’re here! You can drag your ass down the tunnel.”
“Oh, come on! I’m wounded! I can’t walk by myself.”
Shaggy sniffed the air and looked over at Tom, searching for any injury. When he didn’t find any, he turned to Sybil. The woman collected herself and aimed a kick at the prone Tom. It landed with a meaty thud and Sybil looked back at Shaggy.
“The drones opened fire as we parked the truck. I don’t think we got scanned. But genius here took a few zaps to the back. I drug him to a sewer entrance and we made our way here. I’m pretty sure we got away clean.”
As Tom lay groaning on the floor, Vick aimed another kick at him. “Lazy fuck, the burn wounds from a K-Tech rifle healed quickly. Why wouldn’t a drone laser?”
Tom sat up, looking affronted. “It was a K-Tech drone! It had a super-powerful laser, for sure. I was practically dead. If I hadn’t spotted the manhole cover, Sybil would’ve never been able to drag us out of there.”
Shaggy shook his head as Sybil and Vick started to swat and kick Tom. He turned to Vance and shrugged his shoulders. Behind the old man, he saw more teens and Rita coming back for more supplies. He waved a finger in the air, trying to get everyone's attention.
“Everyone, grab something and head back down. We’ll let everyone know that grocery shopping is about to begin and anyone that want’s to can come.”
“Are you sure about that, boss? Twenty-some odd people are going to look strange traveling at night.” Vick said.
“We’ll stagger it. Two groups of ten or so. That way, if we run into gang trouble, we can handle it. I want some of the pack with each group. Sound good?”
His pack nodded as the teens looked a little dumbstruck at being invited. Mari was almost vibrating with glee. Rita was already grabbing things off the nearby pallets. As she did, she brought up another point.
“We will still want people here. If not in the deli, then in the tunnel. Maybe with some of those rifles. Just as a guard.”
Shaggy nodded and waved at Luis and Mari. “You know the kids best. Pick a handful that don’t want to go. But for now, start grabbing supplies.”
They all fell about collecting stuff. Even Vance, the old werewolf, grinned as he picked up an entire pallet and winked at Shaggy. Cekrass attempted the same feat and smiled as his new strength allowed him to match the old Were. Shaggy shook his head and shoved a bunch of piping into Tom’s arms. The lanky Were looked ready to complain, but a sharp mental jab over the pack link made him shut up. Vick opted to stay topside and even grabbed a kid to help keep watch. Shaggy nodded as he passed the Sharpshooter and heading back to the cave.
There was a general energy amongst everyone as they traveled. Shaggy guessed that the kids were excited at the prospect of work. Or maybe at a chance to grab food. Either way, they moved with a passion that had Shaggy chuckling and Rita pissed off. The sword woman looked ready to scream as several of the tired teens now ran past her. Shaggy could see and feel how much Rita was holding back. He sent her calming vibes again and tried to remind her that the kids still needed training. She could take her revenge there.
While she looked startled at the thought of teaching the kids to fight. Shaggy saw a wicked grin appear on her face. He briefly wondered what he had unleashed, but he shook it off as he watched Vance turn a pallet sideways to get it into a tunnel. Dirt and rocks fell from the walls as they moved their payload closer to the cavern. Once they arrived, the teens all dropped their stuff and ran off. Shouting for their friends. Luis and Mari hurried to explain things to everyone as Shaggy’s pack organized everything.
Levy was back at the terminal and Shaggy waved the others off as he went to talk to her. Vance and Vick were in silent conversation. As Sybil glared at Tom, making sure he was working. Rita ran off toward the kids, trying to keep them organized. Cekrass was moving some of the bigger pallets closer to Levy. Looking around at all the kids and his pack working away at their own small community they build made him smile. It also reminded him of Under-Town. They really needed to get back in contact with everyone.
“Almost got this figured out.” Levy said as he approached.
Shaggy glanced around at all the wood planks and cement bags. She even had a few small potted plants dotted around the terminal. He raised an eyebrow in question, but Levy was too enthralled with the terminal screen to notice. So instead he asked.
“Is this going to be enough stuff?”
“Of course not. For everything I’ve got planned, we’ll need much more. But it’s a start. Also, you don’t want to hit too many trucks in a row. Better to make them relax before we steal more stuff.”
Shaggy grinned. “Well, me and the pack were about to head out to steal more stuff. Did you want in?”
Surprisingly, Levy shook her head. “Can’t. I have to watch the fairy. She’s still been in and out, and I don’t want to leave her here. Besides, I can get this place set up. Maybe even get some power down here and light things up.”
“How?”
Levy held up the pink crystal they had gotten from Jerruza's house. “This can power a few things down here. I’d have to keep it topped up, magically. But as long as we don’t drain it, we should be fine. The terminal even recognizes it, so that’s a plus.”
Shaggy shrugged. “Alright. I leave all of this in your more than capable hands. Although I was thinking, while we wait for things to blow over. I might want to check on Under-Town to see how everyone’s doing.”
“Oh, things have been going great. A few of my witches showed up and they are helping the guys with the bar. They also got into an altercation with the Quinica, but Vlad and Ren have it handled.”
Shaggy blinked. “How did you contact them? Magic?”
Levy spun and searched his face for something. Not seeing it, she snorted. “Are you serious?!”
She threw a small object at his chest and, unthinking; he caught it. Looking down, his eyes fell on a small rectangle that he had seen before. Levy’s phone. Shaggy slapped his face so hard the sound echoed throughout the cave. People even turned to look. Off in the distance, he could hear members of his pack cackling. Shaggy swallowed his embarrassment and handed the phone back to Levy.
“How do you always forget about in-game communication?”
“Cause I’m focused on the here and now! Not on the things that aren’t in front of me!” Shaggy complained.
Levy snorted again and returned to the terminal. As she did, she asked. “Was there a message you wanted me to pass along? My witch friends have also started preparing phones for your friends. They need to come topside to steal or buy them, anyway.”
“Ask Vlad if they can spare Ephemara. I need my Number One Henchman here.”
Levy nodded. “Right. To complete your anime harem.”
Shaggy slapped himself again. “She’s an invisible woman that has a decent head on her shoulders. Even if she enjoys a little carnage. I need to make her part of my pack.”
“Sure sure. Whatever you say, sweetheart. I’ll pass it along. Maybe we can send for more supplies too. We essentially have two homes now. I want to see about connecting them.”
“Can you do that? With like portals or something?”
“Portal magic is beyond me. But it’s not an uncommon school. I could look into it or get one of my Witch friends to see what they can find. I’m on the magic stuff, hun. You go keep thinking about the here and now.”
Shaggy grumbled but gave his wife a kiss and turned back toward his pack. He ignored their grinning faces and waved them toward the exit. Even a few kids were smirking at him. He wanted to smack the little shits, but it was fair play. He HAD forgotten about the damn phones. As Rita openly laughed and Vance chuckled at him, Shaggy and the large group of teens left to rob a grocery store.
