My Kingdom for a Cherry Coke

"I'm so sorry Miriam," Beth said quietly. She had participated in many hunts already and knew what a mangled corpse looked like, if the corpse was a dear or an elk. But to see a human ripped open so savagely was something else indeed. The wolf or wolves responsible for such an act would be considered cannibals and outlaws in her territory.. and would be dealt with in the harshest possible manner. Danger to humans was one of the major taboos.1

"I see why you don't trust us," Beth continued. "And there is really no way of guaranteeing that another wolf like that isn't out there. But I can speak for my family and the bachelor pack. We abandoned the feral ways long ago, before my grandparents were born. To harm a human spits in the face of our other side. The protection of humans is one of our main goals, which is why we needed to be sure of Kitra."2

Dusty came up behind Beth then, placing a huge hand on her shoulder. "We're fine, thanks Dusty," she smiled, glancing up at the tall, blond, tie-dyed biker.3

"Oh, I know that," the boy smiled back. "I just came to ask if you and Kitra wanted anything. Josiah said something about a real cherry coke, and I know how you love them."4

"Man, I do love me some carbonated caffeine," Beth agreed. She patted Dusty's arm reassuringly and watched him go back into the large house. "I know this is hard for you," she addressed to Miriam. "I wish there was a way of easing your worries. But my mother is the same way, and there is no talking her out of it. I think you'd actually like Mom a lot," she laughed. "But at any rate, we should probably get back inside before Josiah think's we've killed each other."5

Beth looked at Kitra and smiled hopefully, then glanced back at the older vampire. "I know you do your best to keep Kitra safe, no matter how old she is," she finished, winking at the younger girl. "But if all goes according to plan, your Kitra will have nothing to worry about. The boys will watch over her like she was one of our own. Being bikers scares off most of the creeps, and being werewolves takes care of anything else that comes along."