“My story is long. Do you have time now?” Nikali said.

Cory looked around the park. It was as safe as any place. “Go ahead.”

“I am known for my lengthy explanations but I'll try to stick to the facts. I mentioned my family has been documenting werewolves for over four hundred years. We control the most extensive records in the world. The turning point for your kind was around two hundred years ago. It was around this time werewolves started to understand the changes in their bodies and how to eliminate the damned – those who never mated before maturity. Packs grew beyond territorial dominance and progressed into organisations. When this occurred, they became more secluded. Our efforts to research and document them became impossible. We could no longer locate them and they no longer made themselves known to us. We continued maintaining our records and searching any reports connected with werewolves, but nothing came from it.”

Nikali continued, “Four years ago a member of a pack from France approached us. Interested in the packs here in Australia, the gentleman asked my family if we would research the possible existence. In return, he offered information about the current way of life they now live. It was an opportunity we couldn't refuse. To understand how they live within society, the size of the packs, or even the structure was an exciting prospect.”

Nikali paused, excitement on his face told Cory the subject was one he enjoyed talking about.

“What he told us was fascinating. There is an entire subculture that exists within the werewolf community. There are packs that stake claims on certain territories but there are also areas deemed freehold. These areas cannot be claimed by anyone. These are city centres and places they all need access to, hospitals, schools, and the like. It's fascinating.”

“Sound like they have themselves sorted,” Cory replied.

“I’m sure it’s not as glossy as they say. The fact there are no longer any reported sighting or incidents with werewolves I would say means they have control over their communities.”

“So, why were they interested in Australia?”

“I’m getting there. There are councils where the Alphas meet when crises arise. For example, in France there are four packs and the freehold areas are Paris and several other cities. A member from another pack can visit these places so long as they stay in the freehold areas. So, four packs in France means four Alphas. These Alphas form a Council and one of those Alphas is voted as the representative for that country. These representatives can call a grand council with another country or countries.”

Nikali continued, “At the turn of the century, a decree between all European packs allowed members to travel freely around the world. One of those places was Australia. However, every one of those werewolves that came here never returned home.”

Cory nodded. He didn't need to ask why.

“When they realised there was a pattern forming, a committee of Alphas from several countries sent werewolves to investigate. No matter what they did, they could learn nothing. They knew they existed, given the fact no werewolves could be contacted or returned. They approach my family, to which we were more than happy to assist. However, instructed to research, I am no closer to learning anything. Until Neve approached me. Which frightens me because this means whoever they are identified who I am and why I’m here.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised. They are powerful people from what I’m told. Did it occur to you that anything you report back may put your life in danger?”

Nikali looked away, deep in thought.

“This didn't occur to me and I will need to consider my actions carefully.”

“I should also correct you, there is only one pack in Australia,” Cory said.

Nikali looked at Cory surprised, “One? Impossible.”

Cory didn't reply but stared at Nikali, his expression serious.

“One pack. This is more serious that anyone considered.”

Cory saw the opportunity before him and his gratitude towards Neve was enormous.

“I’ll tell you everything if you get me out of the country.”

“Why? What did you do?”

“I turned, that’s what I did. They keep a tight rein on everything here by seeking half-breeds and killing them.”

“That makes no sense?”

“They are one family, all pure-breeds. They won’t mate with half-breeds. Half-breeds are eliminated before we can pose a threat to them.”

Nikali shook his head in disbelief.

“Can you help me Nikali?”

Nikali looked at Cory, his face etched in concentration. “Give me a few days. I need to contact my family.”

“You realise they’ll identify my location the minute you do. Right now I’m still under their radar. Neve hasn’t told them he's found me. If you notify your family you have met me, they'll come after the both of us.”

Nikali rubbed his face. “What else can I do?”

It was then Cory realised there was nothing Nikali could do.

“If they know the reason you’re here, chances are they're watching you. It may be too late to save me.”

Nikali shook his head.

“Give me twenty-four hours to contact you.”

Cory doubted Nikali’s would be in a position to save him but Cory exchanged contact details with Nikali and they left separately.

The following morning Cory received a call from Nikali.

“Do you have a passport?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Bring it with you today. I'll meet you at the same café at four pm.”

“What are you planning?” Cory asked.

“I need it so I can book two flights to Italy.”

Cory agreed to meet Nikali that afternoon. Rather than attending classes he stayed home while his parents were at work. He walked around the house, often crying at the thought of leaving and other times removing small mementos to take away with him. By the time he left home and made his way to the café, he was a mess.

Nikali sat at a table at the back and Cory joined him. The aroma of coffee in the café made Cory feel ill.

“You don't look so good. Is everything fine?”

“I’m waiting to be killed, why would anything be fine?” Cory snapped.

Nikali said nothing.

“Sorry,” Cory said.

“Don't apologise. I understand how frightening this must be for you,” Nikali said. “Did you bring your passport?”

Cory handed over his passport and Nikali pocketed it.

“I’ve looked up flights and I can get us two seats this Monday flying to Italy via Singapore.”

“The full moon is this Sunday night. The pack will be at its peak. Two seats out of the country together is going to alert them. They’ll be on us before we get off the ground,” Cory said.

“I hadn’t considered that. I’ll book the flights separately at a local travel agent and pay cash. The pack is unaware I have information now. If Neve has come to me on his own accord, we can still leave without drawing any attention to you. I’ve gone back to Italy several times in the last three years; they may not suspect my involvement.”

“Really? So you up and book a flight back home all of a sudden and they won’t get suspicious?”

“They might but if we travel separately, I won’t draw any attention to you. If they had identified who you were, they would've found you by now. You still have a chance to leave the country.”

Nikali was right. They didn’t know who he was yet. They knew he existed, but they were yet to discover who he was.

“I’ll book separate flights to Singapore, then we’ll fly out together to Italy. If you're stopped from leaving the country I'll continue on. I won’t be able to do anything to help you if that happens.”

“I understand.”

“If all goes well, you've got two choices. We return to Italy first, to my family home, and then I contact the council from France and see about getting you into one of their packs.”

“Sounds like a plan, but can they be trusted? What if they lied to you and I end up being killed?”

Nikali shook his head, “It’s no lie. The information you have is extremely valuable. Ever attempt to save you will be put into place once we can leave the country.”

“And the other option?”

“This one’s a little more… unethical, perhaps.”

“Then it isn’t an option.”

“Hear me out. For as long as our family has kept records, there has been another organisation also keeping records. However, in the past their methods were barbaric.”

“In what way?” Cory asked.

“Experimentation. The research they gathered prior to two hundred years ago was useful. It helped to understand how werewolves evolved but it was inhumane. Treated like animals, once the species became educated and evolved, the experimentations came to an end. The organisation still exists but they're now doctors and scientists who devote their time to research. They would give anything for a live sample.”

“I’m not donating my body for experiments,” Cory growled.

“Even if it means finding a cure?”

“How can there be a cure for this? It’s part of my DNA. It’s been bred into my family and me for generations. Like it has been for every one of my kind.”

Nikali shrugged, “We won’t know until one of your kind makes the sacrifice. It’s not like it used to be, they would not keep you locked up or drugged or chained. You’ll work with them, provide information about your abilities and give samples.”

“And let’s say they find a cure, then what?”

“Then they’ll use it to remove your species. You’ll all still live but you will no longer be werewolves – you’ll be normal humans.”

“Oh that would go down so well, wouldn’t it? Take away the one thing that makes us who we are. And when they find out, I’m the one who allowed it to happen, their entire world will be against me. I might as well slit my own wrists.”

“I wanted you to understand all your options.”

“Well thank you, but I’ll take option A.”

Nikali looked at Cory and gave him a small nod. Cory was being hard on Nikali but he'd reached the end of his rope.

“We’ll meet up again after I've booked our flights with your details. You'll need to be at the airport two hours before.”

“Don’t make it too early. I don’t want to explain to my parents.”

The thought sent a sharp pain through Cory's heart and the threat of tears was strong.

“Once you are safely out the country, you can contact them and explain.”

“They’ll be in danger if they are told the truth.”

“They may already be in danger.”

Cory shot Nikali a heated look, but he was right.

“I’ll speak to my family. We may be able to help yours. Right now, let's get you out safely and then worry about everything else later.”