• “School’s out. Finally.” Wyatt thought. “Time to go home I guess.” Wyatt walked to the school’s parking lot and unlocked his car; an El Camino that he bought last year and rebuilt all by himself. He turned the key and the engine came to life with a deafening roar. Wyatt smiled to himself and thought about all the eyes on him right now envying his car. He drove out of the parking lot and down the road towards his house. When he arrived he noticed that his brother’s car was out front in the driveway. He pulled up next to it and got out. As he strolled up to the front door, it suddenly opened admitting a German Shephard into the front yard.
    “Bowen! Come here!” At the sound of my voice he turned and bounded towards me. “Good boy,” He told him scratching behind his ears.
    “Wyatt,” A voice said behind him.
    “Don. Brother, I see you didn’t have any trouble finding the place,” Wyatt responded getting up to embrace his brother. They hadn’t seen each other in over 5 years, since their father died.
    “So what brings us together once again? Business, or do you just want to see your twin brother?” Wyatt joked as they walked into his house.
    “It’s kind of both. I haven’t seen you in like 5 years now? I’ve missed you. Then there’s the business part, they need you. Again. WE need you. We need you to protect and “transport” someone. You up for it?” Donovan said sitting down in a chair and looking at Wyatt. Wyatt froze where he was and turned to look at his brother.
    “This is different than any time before isn’t it? Who am I protecting?” He asked as he sat in a chair across from Donovan.
    “Yeah I know. This isn’t a, “find the person and kill them,” mission, it’s a “protect them at all costs no matter what” which might include some fighting which you love,” Don informed him flashing a smile when he talked about fighting.
    “OK, but that doesn’t answer my question, who is it?” Wyatt asked him once again.
    “Her name is Alexandria Heline Naclasure. She is extremely valuable to our kind. There’s a file on her in the living room on the coffee table. This one is special.” He told Wyatt as he left the house. A second later his car started up and drove off down the street. Wyatt got up and walked into the living room with Bowen at his heels. Just as Donovan said it would be, the file was sitting on the coffee table. Wyatt went to it and picked it up and started reading a letter that fell out.

    “Wyatt, this girl is very important to our kind as your brother has probably already told you. We can’t tell you much more than this for fear of someone capturing you two. I hope you understand. Alexandria is from Siberia as you might have guessed from the name. She has no family. They were all killed. Your mission is to bring her to our headquarters safely. You will meet her at Bart train station on the 5th of August at 9 o’ clock P.M. Inside this file is a picture of her. That is all you will need for now. Bring her safely here. Thank you Wyatt.
    Signed
    Marck Halcral


    “Well how nice of them to actually include a picture this time. Huh Bo?” Wyatt said to his dog. Bowen just looked up at him and walked off into the kitchen. Wyatt looked into the folder and found the picture. Alexandria had brown hair, fair skin, piercing green eyes, and was average height. “Let’s go get her boy.” He hollered into the kitchen where Bo was eating some dog food. He folded the picture up and put it into his pocket and walked over to the front door grabbing Bo’s collar and leash.
    “C’mon Bo!” He called back into the house. Bo jumped out the front door and over to the passenger side door of Wyatt’s car. Wyatt locked the house and got into his car. As he pulled away from his house he had no clue what was going to happen when he met Alexandria.

    6 hours later at the Bart station

    “No stay with me Bo,” Wyatt informed his dog as they walked up and down the aisles of the station looking for Alexandria. Bowen looked up at his master and at the aisle ahead. All of a sudden, his ears went straight against the back of his head and he stopped walking.

    “What is it boy? Is she here?” Wyatt asked in earnest as he kneeled beside his dog. Bo looked straight up into his eyes and then back to the now opening train door straight ahead of them. Wyatt got up and went over to the bench to sit down, never once dropping his gaze from the opening doors. When the doors were finally open, a flood of people started to come out. Not once did he see a girl who looked like Alexandria. He saw an old woman, about 65, a young teenager, a mother with two kids and a husband, but not once did he see Alexandria. As the doors started to close, one last person jumped out. She was wearing a green sweatshirt with the hood pulled down low over her eyes, with a black and grey scarf covering her mouth. The thing that gave her away was the eyes. Those dark piercing green eyes, that darted everywhere with extreme alertness.

    Wyatt got up and walked slowly over to where the girl stood with Bowen obediently right next to him. When they reached the girl, Bowen looked up at Wyatt and seemed to nod to him.
    “Alexandria. Come with me. I’ll be your personal body guard.” Wyatt said to her as they reached ear-shot range.

    “You must be Wyatt then. Your brother told me you’d be coming for me. Is this your dog?” She asked as she crouched down to pet Bowen. Bowen rested his head in the palm of her hand.

    “His name is Bowen and we’ve been working together for a long time. Now let’s get going before anyone finds us talking together,” Wyatt told her, walking off with Bowen right at his heels, “Come up in front of me so I can watch you.” He told Alexandria. She sped up her walk to get in front of Wyatt. Wyatt and Bo looked at each other and then back at the parking lot.

    “We’re this way,” Wyatt said pointing to the right of the parking lot and directing Bo that way. All three of them changed their direction to head in the direction of the El Camino. They got into the car with Bowen in the back, and Alexandria in the passenger seat.

    “So, how far to Westchester?” She asked with curiosity.

    “It’s about a 4 day drive. We’ll stop at safe houses and if we have to motels that allow dogs,” he said, jerking a thumb back to point at Bo who just sat there panting.

    “4 days? Wow. I didn’t know it was going to take that long. That’s OK. As long as I’m safe.” She said out loud as she took off her scarf. As soon as she did so, Wyatt smelled how sweet she smelled and pulled the car over. Bowen’s ears perked up and Alexandria looked up at him. He got out of his car and stormed off into the woods.

    “What was that all about?” She asked Bowen. He just looked up at her and then back the way Wyatt had gone. After about 5 minutes, Wyatt returned. “Are you OK?” She asked.

    “I’m fine. Just….got a little winded. I’m alright now.” He said pulling back onto the road. Wyatt looked back at her and noticed that she was very well featured. A small heart shaped jaw line, with olive shaped eyes, small unscarred smile, and a very soft face. He instantly looked back to the road and kept driving. After about an hour of driving, they decided to pull into one of the assassin safe houses. As they drove through the woods, Bowen looked out the window with ears perked up.

    “This is where I found the poor mutt. He was all alone in the hallow of a tree. I was sent on a mission and I had to use this safe house about 7 years ago. While I was out practicing, I heard him whimpering. I looked around and there he was. Lying in the tree hallow, blind and alone. I picked him up and brought him to the house. When I got there I nursed him until his eyes could open and he could walk and run, and then I started to teach him the way assassin dogs are taught. He’s the only stray assassin dog out on the force right now. He’s such a good dog. Been with me ever since that day.” He reached back to Bo and grabbed at the scruff on his neck, “We’ve been through quite a few scrapes he and I. But we always come out on top.” He told Alexandria who seemed very intrigued by the story.

    “We’re here,” He said as the car rolled around and the headlights flashed on a little cabin in the center of a calm meadow. He stopped the car right in front of the front door and got out. Bowen jumped out right after him and bounded into the forest. Alexandria got out of the car and walked to stand by Wyatt.

    “Aren’t you afraid he’ll run away or something?” She asked worrying for Bowen.

    “Nah. He doesn’t this everytime we come. He just lopes off into the woods and comes back in about 15 minutes. I think he just goes to where I found him. I’m used to it. Well let’s get inside and set up.” He said, walking to the bed of his car pulling out a sleeping bag, a doggy bed, a pillow and a body pillow, and dog food. They got into the house and Wyatt walked to the center of the living room right across from the front door, and put down his sleeping bag, pillows, and doggy bed. He continued to walk down the hall with Alexandria and showed her to her room.

    “There you are Alexandria. I hope everything is alright to you. I’ll get you up at around 8 A.M. Is that alright?” He said, after making sure she knew where everything was including the gun and knife in her night-stand.

    “Yes that’s perfectly fine. And call me Alex.” She responded.

    “OK, Alex. Good night. I’ll be in the living room if you need anything.” He said walking out.

    “Good night Wyatt,” she responded while shutting the door behind her and pulling off her jacket she had been wearing.

    “Stupid, Wyatt. Don’t even. You almost lost it today. And she can’t be harmed no matter what. Pay closer attention and be ready for anything. Isn’t that what they taught us?” He mumbled to himself as he unlocked the front door letting Bowen in. “Why can’t you just be a little more careful. Next time you might not be able to control yourself. Stupid, stupid, stupid.” He grumbled as he flicked the lights off and crawled into his sleeping bag tucking his hand gun under his pillow.

    6 A.M.

    Wyatt got up and stretched yawning. Bowen did the same.

    “Ready to go practice,” he asked him, almost as if he were human. Surprisingly, Bowen perked up and looked at him alert and ready for anything. “OK let’s go.”

    Wyatt opened the door letting Bowen out and continued out into the woods he knew so well. As he entered the brush covered floor, he let his instincts take control and sprang after the scent of a buck. Bowen gave chase after him as they continued through the forest at sprinter’s speed. They ran past tree after tree, never stopping or slowing. As Wyatt and Bowen got closer to their prey they split up. Wyatt went left around the buck while Bowen continued forward. Wyatt had done this many times with Bowen. When they were within 10 yards of the buck, they slowed to a creep. As they creeped up on the buck, Bowen lunged at its throat and sinking his teeth into its neck. Wyatt jumped on its back as he snapped its neck killing it instantly. As the deer sank to the forest floor, Wyatt pulled out his hunting knife and plunged it into the deer’s gut between its rear legs, cutting it open and gutting it. Bowen sat next to him patiently waiting.

    “Good boy Bo,” Wyatt told his faithful companion. He tossed a chunk of meat to him. “We’ll have more later and it’ll be cooked. It’ll taste better.” Wyatt just watched Bowen scarf down the meat and chuckled. “Same old Bo,” he whispered under his breath.

    He threw the now gutted deer over his shoulder and continued back to the safe-house with Bowen running up ahead a bit and looking back almost as if to say, ‘C’mon let’s go. I’m hungry.’ Wyatt just chuckled and continued to walk. About 15 minutes later they could smell the pine of the house and saw lights on. They walked up the stairs and onto the porch area. Wyatt set the deer down on the floor and walked inside to check on Alex. He walked down the hall until he got to her room and stopped.

    “Alex, are you awake yet?” He asked as he knocked on the door.

    “Yeah. I’ll be out in a bit. Just drying my hair,” Came the response from inside.

    “OK I’ll be outside making some breakfast. Ever had deer?” He asked as he started to walk back down the hall.

    “Um…I’ve never had deer, but I guess that’s OK.” She said with some uncertainty. She opened up the door still rubbing her hair with a towel.

    “OK, well that’s what we’re having. If not, I think there’s some sandwich stuff in the fridge. Just curious, how do you like your meat cooked?” He asked, as he waited at the front door, one foot in, and one out.

    “However you like it. I don’t mind,” She said walking into the bathroom.

    Wyatt chuckled and muttered, “OK if you say so,” as he walks outside to prepare the barbecue.

    “So, Bowen, how you likin’ it out here so far?” Bowen ran around in a circle chasing his tail and then layed down resting his muzzle on his paws. “That good huh? That’s good,” Wyatt said as he started the barbecue. He cut strips of meat from the deer and layed them on the grill part cooking them. When the grill got filled he brought a chair next to it and stared into the forest letting all the sounds, smells, and details enter his mind. He didn’t notice that Bowen had come and layed his head on his master’s lap.

    “Good boy Bo. Good hunt this morning.” He told Bowen as he rubbed his ear and neck. Bowen licked his hand and then nuzzled it. Wyatt continued to rub his neck. After about 5 minutes, Wyatt got up and flipped the meat. When he sat back down, Alex came out. Her hair was slightly wet and slightly curly. She had a casual grey t-shirt on with some faded navy blue jeans. She sat next to Wyatt and started to play with Bowen. She sat back against the chair and looked at Wyatt.

    “When did you go hunting?” She asked curiously looking at the deer skin.

    “I went this morning. Let me guess, you’re going to now ask me how?” He said holding his hand at her to cut her off.

    “Actually that’s exactly what I was going to ask.” She said as she sat back waiting for an answer.

    “OK I guess I’ll tell you then, because I trust you. Well, as you know, I happen to be an assassin for Tierische, or in English, Animal. Back in “the early days”, there was a military experiment, the scientists found a way to genetically combine animal, and human DNA into one strand creating a superhuman. Those military soldiers who volunteered for the procedure, got to choose their animal they wanted to be combined with. Most of the prototypes, as they were called, did not make it through the procedure safely. Many of them suffered hallucinations, major side-effects, and some suffered from major stress on the internal organs and muscles causing them to burst. Thus, causing a domino-like reaction, causing everything else to burst causing major and painful internal bleed often leading to death. There were, however, a few who managed to survive the procedure with none of that. Only 3 out of the hundreds of test subjects. I happen to be one of those three. My brother and father were the other two. My father, he was brutally murdered by some of the test subjects who had hallucinations. He had chosen a bear as his animal, and he was killed. My brother chose a raven. I chose a wolf.” He explained to her.

    “OK, but what did the procedure do for you exactly? What did it enhance?” She asked, slightly confused.

    “The procedure at first was to allow us to switch forms, but that never happened. All it did was enhance our senses, our looks, strength, and frankly our eating habits. Shoot!” Wyatt jumped out of his seat and grabbed the now burning meat with his bare hand setting them on a plate nearby. “Crap! Ugh.” He said growling.

    “Are you OK? You just grabbed that with your bare hands.” Alex asked trying to grab his hands to look them over. As she looked, she saw no burn marks, but saw scars. Many scars, all over his hand and up his arm.

    “What happened?” She asked with concern.

    “Oh that? It’s called being in the military and being an assassin all your life. You get those sometimes. They continue all the way across my chest and up part-way on my neck.” He responded as he folded his high collar over so she could see the very apparent white scar lines.

    “Oh. I’m so sorry.” She said as she looked down at her feet in embarrassment.

    “It’s alright. It’s why I keep a high collar. Every scar has a story.” He responded as he lifted to collar back into place.

    Alex looked up at him. “I’m sorry. I had no clue. How did it happen?” She asked.

    “I was sent on a mission to take out someone and he knew I was coming. He had some guards set up at his door, and when I came near, they pulled out a couple of hunting knives. Actually the one I use I took from one of those guards. Anyway, there was a big fight, and I was cut from my finger-tips up across my neck. Somehow, one of the guys managed to get in a lucky shot and sliced me across the chest.” He told her and he held up his hunting knife. “There’s more than that, but I think I should finish making lunch. Again.” He said as he turned to go grab more meat.

    “OK. Again, I’m sorry.” She told him as she continued back into the house. After she had gone, Wyatt threw a rock into the forest as hard as he could.

    “You know you’ll just lose her. Like everyone else. You’re so foolish you know that? I can’t believe you just did that.” He mumbled to himself as he cooked the food. Bowen came up to him and licked his fingers softly. “Yeah I know. Don’t have to tell me twice.” He said to Bowen while he rubbed his ear. He looked inside the living room window and saw Alex looking at him. She quickly shut the blinds when they looked at each other.

    “Meat’s done!” He called into the house as he walked in setting a plate of meat on the table. He pulled out a chair for Alex and him. He went and dug out Bowen’s dog bowl putting it on the ground as he tossed a chunk of meat in it. Alex walked out of her room and sat down in one of the chairs. Wyatt sat next to her and passed a plate to her.

    “Thank you.” She said as she reached for some meat.

    Wyatt took of his coat and hung it on the back of his chair. He sat down in the chair and grabbed a piece of meat. “So why does the Tierische want you so badly? They never told me.” He asked her while chewing a piece of his food.

    “Well, to be honest, I have…”