(Be sure you’ve read the prologue first.)

Episode 1: 
Don’t call me a sheep!

The door leading to the conference room backstage nearly flew off the hinges as the young ram shoved it open. The door slammed against the wall as it flew open as the young man stormed into the room. The stage crew and roadies grew quiet, everyone avoiding looking in the direction of the ram as a short lithe man quickly gave chase after him.

“Leo, baby! Calm down, please!” The small man pleaded as he quickly shut the door, his wiry pink tail whipping about nervously, flicking his slightly rounded grey ears up. What hair he had left shared a similar hue of grey as his ears, with a large bald spot spreading over most of the real estate that was his head.

“Calm down?!” The ram called out, turning to glare down at the rat, their size difference stark. The ram was over six feet in height while the rat was just under three. “Max, that nut job got past security, and even on stage! She had a fucking pair of scissors in her hand for fuck sakes!” The young man stomped the ground in his heeled knee-high boots, accounting for several extra inches of his height difference. His ensemble of snug close-fitting black and blue leather clung to his body, his form covered in sweat from his performance.

The rat looked up at the ram wringing his hands while flicking his tail rapidly, his blue suit and tie a mussed-up wreck from frantically chasing the idol around the backstage area. “Yes, but the stage security was still able to detain her before she got close to you.”

“She was within arms reach, how is that not close?” The ram snarled the words clenching his teeth and flicking his droopy ears up. Hs curly hair cascaded down his back almost looking like wool, the color a bright shade of neon blue with a white streak zig-zagging through it. Two small curled horns jutted out near his bangs, both blue with little white lightning bolts accenting the outer sides of them. The ram also had a blue lightning bolt painted over his right eye, while little blue and white stars dotting his left cheek. His outfit finished with lipstick and eyeshadow sharing the same theme of blue as the rest of him.

The rat fidgeted on his feet his black eyes looking away as he laughed nervously, “Guess, she wanted some of your hair.”

“Oh you think so?” The idol folded his arms against his mostly open chest, the zipper of his faux leather jacket dragged down past his navel, showing well-defined abs and lean but well-sculpted muscles. He leaned down giving the rat a furious glare, the blue and white all over him making his green eyes pop out and almost look ablaze with fury. “I’m sick of this amateur shit, I want a bodyguard!”

“W-what?!” Max stammered words, withdrawing a handkerchief from his back pocket before wiping the sweat from his forehead and face.

“You heard me, I want a fucking bodyguard! The security at these venues is obviously too inept to be trusted!” The ram stood up straight and rolled his neck before flopping into a makeup chair. He unzipped his heeled boots, throwing one of them against the wall with a loud thud.

“Leo, baby… I don’t think that’s in the budget for the tour...”

The ram glared icily at the rat. “Then I will pay for one myself, just find me one!”

Max sucked in a breath through his clenched teeth his two front teeth looking a little more prominent. “O-okay… our next gig is in a pretty big city, I might be able to pull something off.”

The ram now barefoot and looking a few inches under the six-foot mark, walked over to the mini-fridge in the room. He collected a bottle of water, popping it open and drinking it on the way back to his seat. Finishing the drink he crushed the bottle, capped it then tossed it off the rats bald head. “See that you do, or I will be in the market for a bodyguard, and a new manager.”

Max gave a panicked squeak. “Leo, please don’t be like that, we’ve been through so much together these last years!”

The ram gave the rat a bored look and rolled his eyes, “More like you’re getting a free ride off my fame. Whatever Max, I’m not going to fire you, we’re friends.” The ram waved a hand and leaned back in his chair before closing his eyes. “Now fuck off and get me something to eat, I’m starving.”

“Right, I’m on it Leo, baby!” Max scurried out of the room whipping his pink furless tail about rapidly before shutting the door quietly.

The ram ran his palm down his face, streaking his eyeshadow and face paint as he sighed and looked out a nearby window. “I don’t deserve this nonsense…”

#

“Now let’s get a look at that weather forecast shall we? Go ahead, Janet.”

“Thanks, David. It’s looking bright and sunny all across the bay area today, but don’t let that fool you. You can expect it only to get into the fifties today, with wind chills making it feel like the forties. Also, don't let those clear skies trick you, we will have rain moving in by this afternoon. Back to you, David!”

“Thanks, Janet. Next up on bay area mornings we’ve got a special guest. The pop idol sensation Electric Blue is in town and will be joining us live in the studio, singing his hit song ‘Neon Sunset.’”

"I hate the fucking rain…" Tracey muttered the words aloud, blinking open her azure eyes, looking up at the ceiling of her little studio apartment. Her TV played out the morning news while the blades of the ceiling fan lazily whirled about, reflecting the light of the morning sun all around the room. She had come home late into the night and simply collapsed in bed without bothering to eat or change.

The wolf gave a long lazy yawn, her large sharp teeth showing before she rolled over and sat up in the bed. Her long white hair was mussed and tangled, the ponytail having slipped out during the night.

“Yo!” The dog called out as she reached down to unlace her boots she had slept in.

A small ping sounded as the personal assistant came to life on the desk beneath the large tv that took up most of the wall of the tiny studio apartment. “Good morning Tracey, it’s nine twenty-four, you have two new voice mails and one pending event today.”

Tracey kicked off both boots and pulled her socks off, wiggling her toes before calling out to the small speaker once more. “Play messages.” The wolf climbed from bed and moved into the bathroom that was only a few feet from her small bed.

“Message number one, yesterday, ten seventeen PM."

"Hi Honey, it’s your mom. I know you just got back into town tonight but I’ve not seen you in over a season, can we get toge-”

“Delete.” Tracey barked the word out before shoving a toothbrush into her mouth.

“Message number two, today, eight ten AM."

"Yo Trace, it’s Mac. I’ve got a new contract lined up for you, call me.”

After brushing her canines and tongue, she rinsed her mouth out before calling out to the assistant once more. “Delete. Tell me about the event.”

The assistant beeped once more before speaking out in its monotone voice. “Eleven AM; Dojo.”

“Ah yes...” The dog spoke out quietly as she tugged her jeans off her hips, stripping out of her button-down top as well. She made her way to the kitchen on the other side of the apartment which wasn’t a very long walk to say the least. Pulling open the fridge she withdrew a bottle of water then grabbed a protein bar off the counter and tore open the wrapper. “Call, Mom.”

The assistant beeped and the sound of a phone was heard ringing before the line connected. “Tracey?”

“Hi, Mom. What’s up?” The dog barked the greeting out as she chewed on her protein bar.

“I’m just hoping to see you before you get a new job. It’s been a few months. I miss you.”

The wolf rolled her blue eyes and snapped down the last of the bar before taking a drink of water. She frowned at the realization she brushed her teeth before eatting, then gave a shrug. “I will see what I can do, Mom. Mac already has something else he wants to talk to me about, but if I can make the time, I will hit you up for lunch or dinner.”

“Oh… alright Honey, I love you.”

“Love you too, Mom. I will try my best to see you.” She spoke out the words then heard the phone line cut off. Standing up the dog rolled her neck and shoulder before dragging the white panties off her hips and peeling her bra away. Moving across the apartment once more, she turned the shower on and quickly slipped into the hot flow of water.

The heat eased the ache in her shoulder and the white-haired wolf sighed in relief, leaning against the wall and letting the hot water just flow over her. The shower only lasted about five minutes, she knew anything more than that and she risked the hot water going out.

Stepping from the shower with a towel wrapped around her head, Tracey looked upon herself in the mirror, looking at the large deep scar on her shoulder, then down at the large one across her inner thigh. An old memory surfaced and the wolf found herself growling once more before shaking it off and moving to gather some clothes.

Fashion was the last thing she cared about so a simple pair of white panties and sports bra were more than reasonable. She was a little shorter than most girls of her species, only coming to around five and a half feet. Most female wolves got upwards to six feet tall, and males could easily hit seven or more.

She picked up the jeans she slept in and gave them a huff to see how bad they were, satisfied they didn’t smell, she tugged them back up her hips. She had curvy hips and a slightly round backside, she also sported well-defined abs since she was always training or working out. Her arms and legs were lean in muscle without looking overly swollen with mass. She was an ideal wolf you would imagine, lean, strong, and built for speed and power, but far from a hulking brute.

Pulling the sports bra on compressed her chest making her look flatter than she naturally was. Her breasts were of a decent size for such a small frame, easily fitting into a D cup.

“Yo! Call Dan.” Tracey called out to her assistant. The device beeped and a phone started ringing while the dog pulled on a plain black t-shirt followed by a similarly colored jacket.

The call connected after the fifth ring. “Jade tiger Dojo.”

“Hey, it’s Tracey.” She huffed out the words while lacing up her boots.

“Been a minute, Tracey-san. Still coming in today?” The voice called out cheerfully.

Azure eyes rolled upwards as the wolf grumbled about the -san suffix. “Yes. I will be there, I’m feeling rusty.”

“Good, see you in an hour.” The call disconnected while Tracey pulled her white hair back into a ponytail. The length of it had grown over the last several years and now matched the length of her late grandmothers.

The white wolf finished her preparations by moving over to the desk and grabbing a silver locket, the pendant shaped like a book. She fastened it around her neck, the book hanging where her cleavage would be if she had a normal bra on. She tucks the locket into her shirt and reaches for a small picture frame, looking upon it like she always did before leaving.

The picture was of her ten years younger, standing next to an older wolf. She had short hair in the picture mostly dyed red. She was pushed up to Helen, arm around her shoulder, the other outstretched with her fingers in a peace sign. The older dog wearing the pendant Tracey now wore, with an amused and gentle smile on her face.

Gritting her teeth Tracey put the picture back down, pushing a hand to her chest where the locket rested inside her shirt. “Alright… let’s hit it.” The dog huffed the words to herself and moved out of the small apartment, snatching her duffle bag before shutting and locking the door behind her.

#

“So… how was your last job, Tracey-san?” The forty-something pitbull gave the wolf a wide grin while she picked herself back up off the mat.

“Peachy, I broke a guy’s fucking arm for being cute and trying to stab my client.” The wolf snarled the words as she set her stance.

“Again!” The older dog barked and the younger canine came in with a lunging push of her arm, obviously going for a grab. The instructor grabbed her wrist and they tied up in a struggle for a heartbeat. He hooked a foot behind her ankle, applied pressure to her bad shoulder and shoved her onto her back heavily.

Tracy barked out in protest at the shoulder grab before having the wind knocked out of her as she crashed to the mat. “Ha… fuck, Dan! Take it easy on the fucking shoulder!”

The pitbull gave her a sympathetic smile. “Do you think an assailant will care, Tracy-san? Again.”

The wolf clenched her sharp teeth, focusing and burying the pain before climbing to her feet and setting her stance. “Touche...”

“You seem troubled my child, does something weigh on your mind?” The dog spoke the words gently, seeing the flinch and anger cross the wolf's face.

“Do NOT call me that.” The wolf snarled the words, old memories surfacing as she lunged again. This time she saw the counter and adjusted her stance before bringing her other hand up. She grabbed the pitbull's hip, trying for her own leg sweep.

The two locked up again and the wolf snarled, pushing against the smaller dog, slowly overbearing him with her own power. Dan simply let it happen before he shifted his foot, using her own force for leverage and launched the wolf cleanly over his shoulder. Tracey toppled forward, landing on her back with the wind knocked out of her once more, growling to herself.

“Remember, anger will always control you and cloud your judgment. Focus it instead of embracing it.” Dan spoke the words calmly as if reading passages from some new age zen book.

“What are you, my fucking therapist?” The wolf barked the words and rolled over back into her stance. The position shifted to a more hunkered down position, her fingers flexing as she growled in an angry feral way.

Dan motioned with his hand. “The martial arts is more than a means to combat a foe, Tracey-san… Again.”

The wolf barked and lunged forward in an unfocused pounce. Dan looked perplexed, trying to decide what the wolf was doing as she clapped her hands hard on his shoulders and started pushing him back. “I don’t need your advice, I need someone to spar with!“

“Ha! Perhaps the therapy you seek, is laying on the mat seeing stars over and over again!” The dog mockingly huffs the words while pushing against the wolf’s strength, once again slowly losing ground to Tracey’s sheer power and stamina.

“Maybe you need to fight seriously!” Tracey barked the words and felt her teacher shift his stance. The wolf perked her snow-white ears up sharply, the silver hoop glinting in the dojo’s light that was concealing the chip missing from the left one. She stepped from the shift and they locked again. Another attempt to force her strength against her and another brief break before the struggle continued.

“If this were a fight, you would know it… Tracey-... san!” Dan huffed the words, his breath coming out heavy, showing the obvious strain in constant exchanges. The wolf hooked her foot around his ankle and the pitbull felt himself go down with a heavy thump to the mat.

“Yeah? How’s that!” The larger dog snarled as she loomed over the downed one, her hands on his shoulders.

“You would have already been dead.” The dog spoke softly, applying a little pressure on the wolf’s belly, showing his fist was there as if he were holding a knife.

Tracey gritted her teeth and climbed from the instructor before offering him a hand up. Dan climbed to his feet with her help and let out a winded huff. “Remember I’m teaching you to fight to protect yourself and others, Tracey-san, not compete in tournaments for Judo. You must always watch your opponent's movements, if their hands are not in view, they could have a weapon waiting to strike.”

“Y-yeah...” The wolf frowned as she tightened her gi and rubbed the back of her head.

“Anger can be a powerful tool, but you must focus it in the proper way. That is the lesson you should take away from this. Your skills are still as exceptional as they always have been since you were a pup.” Dan straightened his posture and Tracey instantly responded to the cue, bowing before her teacher as he bowed to her.

“Thanks, Dan… err Sensei. Sorry about all the swearing.” The wolf rubbed the back of her head again as she gathered her bag up to go change.

“Think nothing of it, we are all fallible Tracey-san.” The dog gives a wave of his hand before returning to the front where a small class was about to begin. Several students had gathered and were simply watching the two dog’s spar to kill time.

Tracey took out her cell phone after she changed, she had put on a regular bra so her chest was pushed out more prominently. The locket she wore rested against her chest on the outside of her t-shirt. “Hey mom, yeah, yes… Alright, let’s meet up for lunch. Yes ma’am… got it. Love you too.”

#

“So how are you doing, Honey?” The older white wolf asked while sipping on a cup of coffee. Her naturally white hair and fur had highlights of grey starting to show through it.

“Doing alright, Mom. Just working and kicking ass. You know me.” Tracey spoke the words teasingly while sipping on some hot earl grey.

The older wolf frowned and shook her head. “I can’t believe you’ve been doing this for over ten years now… You even dropped out of college. You know this is a young pups field, you can’t keep it up forever.”

The younger wolf rolled her azure eyes, the same hue as her mothers. “Then when I can’t do it and someone gets lucky, I won’t have to worry about retirement.”

“Tracey!” The older wolf snapped at her daughter sharply. “Don’t speak like that, you already make me worry, especially after what happened years ago.”

Tracey clenched her teeth, and looked away. “Let’s not talk about that, Mom...”

“You always say that, but it’s still tearing you apart! It wasn’t your fault.” The older wolf spoke out comfortingly to her daughter.

Tracey slammed her hand on the table, rattling the plates and teacups showing her sharp teeth to her mother. “Then who’s fucking fault was it? I let my best friend die!”

“You didn’t! I heard your account, you did everything you cou-”

“No!” The wolf snarled out slamming the table again. “I should have seen it sooner, I should have reacted better! I should have pounced on her instead of shielding her!”

By now a few patrons were murmuring to themselves about the display and a server quickly trotted over to the table. “Ladies if you’re going to cause a scene I’m going to ha-”

The young cat who looked like he might have been a high school student at best cut his speech off as the white-haired wolf leveled a glare at him. “I’m having a bad day garcon, fuck off before I shove that platter you’re carrying up your ass. Are we clear?”

The cat flicked his tail in panic and nodded, “Y-yes Ma’am, crystal clear. Sorry to bother you!”

Tracey’s mother gave her a disappointed look as the young cat quickly fled the scene. “Tracey...”

“I told you I didn’t want to talk about it. I love you, Mom but you need to learn to let this subject be.” The younger wolf growled the words, heat and fury dripping in her voice.

The older wolf cast her gaze away but said nothing. Several awkward moments passed before Tracey collected her teacup and took a sip of the tea, letting out a soft controlled sigh. “I replay that moment in my mind over and over again. I’ve found dozens of scenarios where I could have made it better.”

“You can’t keep tormenting yourself like this, it’s been almost ten years, Honey. That period of species strife has all but ended.” The older wolf spoke the words gently to her daughter.

“Yep, sure is a great world we live in. Just flowers and sunshine.” Tracey rolled her eyes as she finished off her tea and set the cup down.

“Helen wouldn’t want to see you like this, Tracey.” The mother wolf huffed at the younger one as her ears flicked up.

“Yeah? You talked to her recently? I would ask her myself, but Heaven’s a bit far away, I don’t think she would hear me.” The wolf pushed away from the table and tossed a twenty on it for terrifying the poor cat. “C’mon Mom, I need to see you off and go talk to Mac.”

#

“Fuck me, why does she always have to bring that up?” Tracey snarled the words after dropping her mother off. Her car was one of the few things she spent up on in her life. A restored muscle car from a time when Helen would have been in her twenties. The late wolf would brag to her about the car and how she drove it in her younger days. A few years after the incident Tracey found and restored one of the cars. The old car had a bright blue paint job with a racing stripe going down the middle of the hood and on top of it.

Tracey dialed the sound system up, letting the heavy beat of the rock metal she was blaring drown out her thoughts. The white wolf focused on driving and turned her mind off, just letting the music fill the cabin of the car while she made her way to her companies office.

Pulling into the parking space in front of Mac’s office, the wolf climbed out of the car and armed it with her remote key before stepping through the doors. A small pudgy sheep was at the front desk filing her nails when she walked in. The ewe looked up with a bored expression on her face. “Hi, Tracey. Boss has been waiting for you.”

“Uhuh, with bated breath I’m sure. You doing alright Stephanie?” The wolf asked to be polite, already moving past the desk towards the office.

The sheep gave a shrug and went back to her nails. “I can’t complain, what good would it do if I did?”

“I hear that,” Tracey called back towards the sheep before rapping at the door a few times.

“C’mon in, Trace.” A heavily southern accent drawled out from the other side of the door.

The wolf bumped the old wooden door with her hip as she opened it, knowing it liked to stick on its frame sometimes. “How did you know it was me, boss?”

“Saints alive girl, could hear that monster of a car you got from a mile away!” Mac was a big guy, like a really big guy. He sat behind a massive wooden desk and even sitting he was as tall as Tracey was standing. He wore his typical work attire which consisted of blue jeans and a white button-down shirt with a tasseled brown leather vest. He wore a large rimmed western-style hat on his head and large folded down brown ears could be seen beneath the brim of the hat.

The wolf huffed proudly and put her hands on her curvy hips. “Well she is one of my biggest sources of pride.”

The bear grunted and nodded to a chair across from his desk. “Well take a seat little lady, I’ve got a doozy of one for you this time...”

#

“This is so fucking stupid...” Leo grumbled the words while his personal makeup artist applied the little blue and white stars to his cheek. The makeup girl was a llama with bubblegum pink hair and slightly drooped ears similar to his own. The llama gave a frustrated sigh and grabbed his chin forcing his mouth closed so she could work and correct the star he just ruined.

“Leo, baby… this is a good PR move, your fans will love you even more for it!” Max squeaked the words out while reaching into the cooler of ice and fishing out a bottle of water.

Leo snarled and started to talk but the llama grabbed his chin, giving him a stern look before continuing her work. The ram rolled his eyes and remained silent until she finished the work.

“Look Leo, You’ve never been to this town before. It’s a good business move, and again think of your fans.” Max spoke the words cheerfully as he moved over to the makeup chair and presented a bottle of water to the ram as the llama moved away.

The ram glared at the llama once she turned her back before snatching the bottle of water from the rat. “It’s a stupid PR move! We’ve already sold out for tomorrow and Saturday, why waste my time with this when no one can even buy tickets?”

“Think of your fans Leo, this will ensure they want tickets next time too!” Max gave a wide grin to the ram as he drank the water.

Leo glared at the rat and tossed the empty bottle off his manager’s head with a hollow thunk. “I already sell out stadiums and concert halls, I don’t need to be wasting my time appearing on some podunk local morning show!”

Max fidgeted on his feet as one of the technicians banged on the door of the dressing room. “Five minutes!”

“Fuck off!” Leo yelled back at the door with a glare, then rolled his green eyes before climbing from the chair and looking himself over in the mirror. “I swear, I don’t deserve any of this inept bullshit from you people...” The idol practically growled the words as he checked his eye shadow.

“Leo, baby, you look great. They are going to love you.” Max wrung his hands and grinned at the ram while flicking his tail about.

Another eye roll was his answer as the ram tapped the heels of his boots on the floor to make sure the fit was good. He tugged at the waist of his leather pants which rested a few inches below his exposed navel, checking the fit of them as well. The pants were tight and hugged his hips, leaving nothing to the imagination. They clearly showcased the young man's firm muscled backside, a small fluff of his neon blue tail showing outside of the material. Each leg of the pants was a mishmash of blue and black, the two colors meeting against the bulging crotch.

The ram snapped his fingers at Max sharply. “Jacket!”

Max already had the black and blue jacket ready, jumping up on the seat Leo had been sitting on to reach him. The manager slid it over the idol's shoulders and arms. Leo pulled the material on, the leather of blue and black, lining up with the pants design.

The ram zipped the jacket up just a few inches, leaving most of his smooth chest and abs bared. Max circled around the idol snapping in little buckles that made the jacket and pants connect together to form a complete ensemble.

Leo put both hands on his hips and took in a deep breath, his eyes closed in focus. Several moments passed and the ram snapped his sharp green eyes open and looked at himself in the mirror with a wide bright white grin. “Alright! Let’s do this!”

“Yeah!” Max chimed in raising a fist in the air.

The ram gave the rat a wide cocky grin and they shared a fist bump before the idol strode out of the dressing room, like a prince making an entrance to the grand ball.

The set concluded with everyone was screaming and cheering, a tiny crowd of a few hundred locals that had gathered at the studio. Leo could easily pick out the few die-hard ones out of them, seeing some wigs of blue and white. The keyboard player the studio provided was missing beats left and right through the whole performance, leaving the idol wondering if this little showing did more harm than good for him.

“That was amazing! No wonder you’re a household name!” The host of the morning show exclaimed as he applauded and took a seat at a little cushy chair near a coffee table. A mug sat on the small table in front of him, made to look like morning coffee, but the liquid in it was clear. Leo didn’t imagine it was water in there.

“Thanks, James. Happy to be here! The bay area has always been a place I love to visit.” The ram spoke the words cheerfully with a bright smile, taking a seat on the sofa across from the host. 'If I never come back to this podunk city it will be too soon.' The ram thought to himself as he grabbed a bottle of water and began to drink it, his throat parched from the singing.

“So, tell us about your tour, uh… should I call you electric, or blue?” The morning host asked the idol, he was a black cat with sharp pointed ears and a black tail lazily coiling about.

“Blue is fine, James. Yes our tour is dotting all over the country in several major cities. We’ve been on the road for about a month. The whole thing will take about half a year.” The ram made sure to grin and look into the camera several times. The fans erupted in screaming at one point and he gave a wink and pointed out one of the ones that had dressed up.

“That sounds like a lot of work! Now, this is the second studio album that you’re on tour promoting, is that right?” The cat asked while picking up his mug and taking a sip.

“That’s right, James.” The ram gave a grin and awkwardly shifted his gaze towards the side of the stage where Max was waving at him and giving a thumbs up.

“So this isn’t your first tour but we’re one of the biggest cities on the west coast, how come you never made it here before now?” The host asks with a purr in his voice.

“Well, James. My manager is an idiot!” The idol spoke the words in a playful singsong voice and everyone erupted in laughter. “Seriously though, we couldn’t get any venues cleared for this city on our first tour. I guess I just wasn’t popular enough last time.” The ram drooped his ears with a mock pout.

The crowd groaned their disapproval of him saying he wasn’t popular then some random teenage female screamed “I love you, Blue!” and the rest of the audience began cheering and screaming all over again.

“I love you too!” Leo responded, putting his fingers and thumbs together to form a heart.

“Well we’re almost out of time, anything you want to say to your fans out there, Blue?” The cat prodded, his ear flicking at the prompt from the stage manager to move it along.

“Buy my new album!” The ram called out cheerfully, then waved a hand as he gave a grin. “I’m kidding, just remember I love all of my fans and I will always appreciate your support. Remember I’m nothing without each and every one of you!” The crowd roared its approval and the lights dimmed slightly on stage.

“Thanks so much for being here, Blue! We’ll be right back everyone!” James called out to the audience as the stage dimmed further.

Leo heard the audible click of the mic going dead and pulled the piece from his ear before leaning over like he was casually talking with James. “Seriously, what the ever-loving fuck was that?” The ram asked the cat pointedly.

The cat blinked in shock and looked at the idol in confusion. “I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?”

“I waste my time appearing on this little shit show, giving an interview with someone who obviously hates their life so much they gotta drink during their work. So you fuckers provide me with some low talent schmuck on the keyboard, that can’t even keep up with me while I try to give your idiot viewers a free show?” The ram spits the words out venomously as he stood from the stage couch.

“I uh… I’m sorry about that.” James stammered, looking shaken from the encounter.

“I didn’t want your fucking apologies. I’m so fucking done with this...” The idol grumbled the words and stalked backstage, moving to the dressing room and slamming the door.

A few moments later Max pushed into the room and quickly shut the door. “Leo, baby. That was beautiful!”

“That was shit, Max!” The ram growled as he already had a washcloth and was wiping the makeup from his face. “Fuck… keyboard guy was a joke. I had to put the whole getup together for one fucking song...”

The rat drooped his ears and winced, drumming his fingertips together silently, letting the ram go off on his tangent.

“You found me a bodyguard yet?” Leo grumbled as he looks in the mirror, using another wet cloth to wipe the paint off his curled horns.

“Oh! Yeah, I contacted an agency when we first got here. Told them we needed their very best and someone that was willing to travel with us!” The rat chirped out proudly and put his hands on his hips.

“Uhuh… I deserve the best. You told them money isn’t an issue?” The ram called back out, starting to clean his other horn off while still looking in the large lighted mirror.

“Of course, Leo baby! Only the best for the star!” Max spoke out in an excited tone of voice.

Leo rolled his eyes and threw his jacket off right in Max’s face. “Fuck… well, I hope the guy they give us is at least competent, it would be a nice change of pace from the rest of you people.”

#

The white wolf sat there in the chair, her fingertips together forming a peak as she took a moment to choose her words carefully to her boss. “I’m sorry… what the fuck did you just say?”

“I said, he’s a pop star. I reckon they call them idols nowadays. Fella by the name of Electric Blue.” Mac huffed the words back with a lazy tone in his voice.

“Never heard of him,” Tracey called out while looking bored with the idea already. “Mac, I watch diplomats and fucking politicians. Not sissy little pop stars!”

“I know that, but they asked for my best, and they are offering a hell of a fee. You’re the best I have little lady.” The bear pushed the proposed contract across the desk.

The wolf snatched the paper up and gave it a whistle. “Son of a bitch, that’s like… ten times what I would normally make on a job.” The bear gave a nod then a startled grunt as the wolf pushed the paper back to him. “Pass.”

“What? You can’t be serious, Trace.” Mac pushed the contract back towards her and grunted. “You couldn’t ask for a better offer, and I need my best on this!”

The wolf pushed the form back, both their hands on it in the middle of the desk. She was now on her feet leaning over the desk to meet the bear’s eyes. “I don’t give a fuck about the money, I don’t do this for a paycheck, Mac. I do this for the adrenaline kick and the chance to kick someone’s ass that has it coming!”

The bear gave the wolf a flat look. “You know little lady, statistically… you’re more likely to encounter problems escorting a celeb than you are a government type.”

The wolf clicked her tongue and glanced down at the contract again, scanning it over. “Six months… that’s doable… can pay the rent up ahead of time. Hmm...”

“So will you do it?” Mac asked in a hopeful gruff voice.

“Mom needs new siding on her house,” Tracey growled the words as she pushed the contract back towards the bear. “Higher.”

Mac let out a heavy rumble of a growl, “It’s already ridiculous, and you said the pay didn’t matter.”

“You pay for the best, that’s how it is. I know what cut you’re making from this. Five thousand more on top and we deal. You say no, I walk out the door and you can put your second rates on it.” The wolf tapped her finger on the signature line.

“You’re worse than a stubborn ass mule!” Mac snarled the words and snatched the contract up, altering the pay rate with a quick flourish of his pen.

“I’ve known plenty of agreeable mules in my time, I will have you know.” The wolf growled the words as she signed the contract and gave the bear a wide grin. “Guess I better go get ready. I will see you in about six months, boss.”

“See you in half a year, Stephanie.” The wolf called out as she trotted out of the office.

“Yep, don’t die horribly out there.” The sheep huffed out while buffing her nails.

Tracey took a seat in her car and began placing some calls and making arrangements. Several minutes later she finally pulled out of the parking space and onto the interstate. “Yo!”

The bleep sound rings out from her phone through the sound system of the car. “Good afternoon, Tracey. It’s four tw-”

“Call mom!” The wolf barked out. The sound system made a connecting click sound and began to ring.

“Hey, honey. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, but I’ve got a new job and I’m going to be away for several months.” The wolf spoke out to the open car as she merged onto the interstate.

“Oh...” Her mother's voice grew silent.

“Look, I want to have dinner with you before I go. Can I pick you up?”

“Of course you can, Honey. I will start getting ready now.”

“Mom. I don’t want to talk about certain things, understand?”

“... I understand, honey.”

“Also, expect a contractor to come out to the house to show you some samples tomorrow.” The wolf grinned wide as she spoke.

“What are you talking about, honey?” Her mother asked skeptically.

“You will see. Anyways, I will be there in about forty minutes.” The wolf reached to her phone and ended the call, the cabin filling with angry rock music once more. The dog gave another hungry grin at the thought of an exciting gig for once, she hadn't had a proper altercation in over a year.

Her mother cried at dinner, made her promise to call her as often as she could, begged her to be cautious. The usual schtick before she left on a long assignment. Tracey slipped into her tiny apartment with a tired huff. It was already after ten and she had managed to beat the rain home.

After Kicking off her boots and stripping down to just her bra and panties, the wolf made her way into the kitchen. She collected a shot glass before walking over to the dresser and pulling her pendant off. The silver chain was draped over the picture frame and she reached into the dresser to withdraw a bottle of white rum. Pouring a shot, she held it up in salute towards the picture before downing it, feeling the burn fill her on the way down.

“What the hell...” She poured a second shot before putting the bottle away. “One for Mom too,” she gulped down the faintly sweet liquor, the burn sliding down her throat as her tail wagged heavily a few times. The wolf took a relaxed huff through her nose and moved towards her unmade bed. “Yo!”

“Good eveni-”

“Alarm! Zero nine hundred hours!” The wolf barked the words out before flopping face-first into her pillows and sheets.

“Alarm set for; Nine AM.” The monotone voice called out over the TV Tracey had never bothered to turn off.

The rum numbed her mind just enough to fall into slumber, her aching shoulder feeling numb as well as she drifted into darkness.

#

Rain poured down, it dripped off the short jagged locks of her red hair while she stood there. Her right shoulder was covered in dressing and her arm propped in a sling. Her left leg similarly dressed but covered by her black pants. They wanted to give her a wheelchair but she refused, instead standing there bracing on a crutch.

A freshly covered grave stood before her, a large tombstone that read; ‘Helen G Sherry. May she find peace and comfort in heaven with her son and husband.’ One plot over was Helen’s son a date of over twenty years ago when he was killed in the line of duty as a police officer, before Tracey had even been born. Then two years after his death, another plot beside Helen’s of her husband who succumbed to his grief of losing his son and killed himself.

All the other mourners had parted once the rain grew too heavy, she had been standing here for well over an hour alone. None of the other Sherry family come to mourn if there even were any, just government officials and friends.

“I failed you… promised to protect you...” The wolf grit her teeth, her voice coming out raspy as she looked up to the sky, her cheeks drenched in rain and tears. Her voice sounded foreign to her. It had been the first words she had spoken in days.

A loud crack of thunder filled the air and the wolf slumped to her knees bracing on the one good hand she had, letting the crutch fall to the soft earth beneath her knees. “Why?! You were always so fucking selfless and generous!” The wolf screamed as she sobbed out and dug her fingers into the wet earth. “You had no fucking right! Why did you have to be selfish then!?”

The young wolf whimpered and sobbed pitifully to herself as she spoke to the mound of earth before her. Her large ears drooped, the left one sporting it’s own dressing that had soaked through with water. “I was too weak… too fucking stupid… I was, useless...”

#

Tracey snapped her eyes wide open as a clap of thunder sounded out, tears flowing freely from them while she laid in bed on her back. The blades of the fan were still lazily spinning about, the TV station off the air, casting a rainbow hue across the room. The sound of heavy rainfall filled the apartment, the occasional flash of lightning filling the room up with blue from the small windows.

The wolf closed her eyes, letting her heart rate calm, then after a few minutes looked over at the locket draped over the picture frame. Another flash of lightning made it shine a bright brilliant silver before returning to the dull chromatic shade of the TV illumination. Tracey closed her eyes, more tears spilling from them as she cleared her mind and tried to return to sleep. “I hate the fucking rain… so… so much...”

A sharp loud buzzing emanated from the speaker on her dresser. The wolf snarled, her sharp teeth showing as she dug her nails into her pillow. “Yo! Alarm, shut the fuck up!”

A bleep was heard and then the monotone voice replied. “I’m sorry I didn’t understand you.”

“Alarm Off!” The wolf barked out before the unit beeped and grew silent. Tracey huffed and flopped back into the pillows, groaning against them. The rain was still falling and she could hear it piddling against the windows. The wet weather brought a vicious ache to her shoulder and the wolf was slow to move from her bed as she sat up.

“It’s going to be cold and wet all day folks, so bundle up and stay dry out there...” The weather forecaster was prattling on while the wolf sleepily blinkeda up at the TV. She took a few more moments to compose herself before rising up and plodding into the kitchen.

A hot cup of earl grey later the wolf felt a little more alive and was eating on a protein bar while lounging in her underwear in bed watching TV. Her phone pinged with a text message from her mother freaking out happily about the siding job. Tracey gave a snort through her nose and swiped the message away before continuing to surf on her phone.

After a few hours of laying about, the wolf took a deep breath and climbed from bed to get ready. A shower and fresh change of clothes, this time a black set of panties and bra. She decided to go with a more casual look since she wasn’t watching a government official.

She opted for combat boots, black jeans, and a white t-shirt as her outfit. After pulling the shirt on she could clearly see the outline of the black bra in her wardrobe and gave a roll of her eyes. Growling, she pulled the shirt off, tossing it aside and stripping out of the bra before putting on a white one instead, hell with color coordination. Satisfied, she put the white t-shirt back on and moved along with her packing.

A large duffle bag came out of the closet as the wolf withdrew a small caliber handgun in its holster, a heavy-duty taser, some brass knuckles, and a combat knife. The knuckles went in her back pocket, the knife she strapped to a rigging along her left leg near her boot. The taser and gun she would wear in her jacket.

After that she packed three days worth of clothes and a week's worth of panties. She had learned early in, on long jobs you always carry extra underwear, you never know when you will see a washing machine again.

Satisfied with her preparations she called for a cab while shrugging on her heavy black jacket of faux leather, the weight feeling familiar and comfortable. Largely in part to the weapons and extra ammunition lining it’s inner pockets. After donning her grandmother’s pendant and giving the picture a long look, she locked up behind her. She carried two duffle bags in tow, one full of clothes, the other various tools of her trade along with a small laptop computer.

She left with plenty of time to spare, deciding she wanted to get some time at the gun range for the practice, knowing she wouldn’t get much of a chance on the road.

#

Max paced around the backstage area nervously fidgeting, his wiry tail flicking rapidly as he checked his phone over and over again for the time. He specifically told the agency he needed the guard here by four and it was already three fifty. “Damn… what am I going to do... Leo will flip if he doesn’t get someone by showtime!”

“I’ve been arguing with you for five minutes over this, I’m going to be late and I’m never late to a job.” The wolf snarled the words as she shoved a finger into the backstage bouncer’s chest. He was a larger wolf that easily had almost two feet over Tracey. “Move, or I will move you myself.”

“Look, babe, you’re not on the list and no one gets in to see Max without being on the list.” The larger dog folded his arms defiantly.

“I already showed you my business card, puppy.” The smaller wolf growled the words and flexed her fingers. “I appreciate your work ethic, I can respect it, but you turn your ass around, go in there and confirm I belong here. If you insist on standing here like a brainless scarecrow, you’re going to feel pain.”

“Is that a threat? I can call the cops you know.” The bouncer growled the words, unfolding his arms.

Tracey rolled her eyes and grit her teeth. “Is this some kind of alpha dog masculinity bullshit? No, it’s not a threat… I don’t believe I’ve ever threatened anyone in my life. I only offer promises!”

”Yeah, you don’t look so tough to me bitch!” The larger wolf snarled the words, letting his ego finally come to bear. “You might be cute but you’re not getting in here.”

The smaller dog gave him a flat bored look and simply pushed a hand into her jacket, withdrew the taser, and shoved it against the large dog’s crotch.

Max shot his rounded ears up as he heard a blood-curdling howl of agony from outside the backstage door. The rat quickly scurried over to the exit door right as it busted open from a white wolf kicking it in. The small rat yelped at the scene and jumped back a few paces, seeing the bouncer on the ground twitching and spasming from the electrical shock.

The wolf looked down at the rat who looked ready to run away at this point. “A rat… you Max?”

The small male blinked at the wolf processing the words for a moment as he grabbed a handkerchief and began to wipe his bald forehead of sweat. “Y-yes?”

Tracey gave a snort and jerked her head over towards the downed bouncer. “Sorry I was almost late, your boy there at the door wouldn’t let me pass.” The wolf clicked her tongue and pocketed the taser, “Also, he got confrontational with me, I felt threatened, and used enough force to subdue him without being overbearing.” The dog recited the words like she had spoken them a hundred times in the past.

“R-right… and you... Are?” Max stuttered the words still fidgeting on his feet nervously, not sure what this was all about.

She gave him an awkward grin, “Uh… you okay there buddy? I’m your personal security.” The wolf flicked out the business card and showed it to the rat.

"Personal… O-oh! Right! Uh… is he going to be okay?” The rat timidly pointed to the doorway where the bouncer was still writhing on the ground holding his crotch.

The wolf shrugs a shoulder, feeling the ache in it. “Not my problem, he probably pissed himself though. You may need to get another guy on the door, a smarter guy.”

Max shivered a little as he clicked his mic piece and asked for another bouncer to the backstage door, then looked at the wolf awkwardly. “Ah...and you are?”

Tracey gave the rat a look before glancing around the backstage area, it was full of various stagehands and roadies coming and going, setting up for the show in a few hours. “Tracey Wellford... wasn't it on my card?”

“O-oh! Y-yes it was... Well, I’m sure Leo will be happy to see you.” The rat spoke as he put his handkerchief away and nodded to the wolf. “Ah let me show you aro-”

“Hey, Max! Where the fuck are you, asshole?” The ram yelled out, stomping out of the dressing room and into the backstage area.

“Ah, Leo! Leo, baby… let me introduce you!” The rat quickly scurried over to the ram, the wolf slowly following.

Leo stood there arms crossed over his open jacket. He was in the full getup, face paint, makeup, shoes, and all. “Meet who?” The ram looked down at the shorter wolf who let out an unamused snort through her nose. “You a fan or something? I’m not doing autographs right now, babe.”

The pierced white ear flicked on Tracey as she felt agitation starting to well up in her again. Max just winced and gave the wolf an apologetic grin.

“Seriously though, where is this asshole? If the guy isn’t showing, I’m not going on stage.”

Tracey growled a little at the ram and turned her back and started to walk off. “Deals off, find someone else. I came here to be security, not a babysitter.”

“Wait! Wait!” Max called out in a shrill voice as he chased after the wolf.

“Security? B-babysitter?!” The ram snapped back, glaring at the back of the wolf before stomping after her. “Who the fuck are you to call me a baby!”

Tracey stopped and looked up at the ram before giving him a bored look. “I’m sorry, did I stutter...” The wolf dropped her bags, turned to fully look upon the ram, making sure to size him up as she put her hands on her hips. He wasn’t bad on the eyes, lots of exposed smooth skin and muscle, his horns were kind of cute too. She clicked her tongue sharply before responding. “I called you a baby, you flamboyant looking sissy.”

Max let out a shrill gasp and started squirming on his feet, Leo just stood there a moment looking shocked, his mouth agape.

Tracey snorted through her nose and gave the ram another bored look. “Are we done here? I can find more important people to guard if so.”

Leo thrust a finger out to say something, but the words wouldn’t come. He took a few steps away, then turned and pointed at the wolf once more, again finding no words. Finally the ram shook his head and glared at the shorter woman. “W-who the fuck are you to talk to me like that?”

“Someone that gives absolutely zero fucks about your status or fame.” Tracey quickly quipped back, crossing her arms, her heavy chest pushing out now unintentionally. “By the way, the metal bands from the eighties called, they want their hairstyle back.”

“Wait… you’re a girl. Why are you a bodyguard?!” Leo spat out, trying to process all the insults and confrontations at once.

“Oh, give the sheep a cookie, my masterful disguise is ruined! What gave it away genius, was it the tits? It had to be the tits right?” The wolf barked the words, showing her sharp canines, her ears folded downward.

Leo blinked at the wolf several times, actually consciously looking at her now. Most people he just half glanced at, you seen one deranged fangirl you’ve seen them all. Now he was actually looking upon her in earnest. She was actually kind of cute, large chest, curvy hips, and from what he recalled a nice ass.

Tracey instantly recognized the body language and saw the ram sizing her up as he looked her over. “Take a picture casanova, it will last longer...”

“Wait a sec, a sheep? I’m a guy!” Leo finally got around to rebutting the original insult.

“You could of fooled me dressed like that!” The wolf barked out the words and rolled her shoulder. “Look kid, I don’t have time for this. I’m going to get out of here and you can ask one of your bouncers to watch your flamboyant ass.”

Max jumped in front of the wolf and wrung his hands together. “W-wait this is just a misunderstanding!”

“Wow, why are you such a raging cunt?” Leo huffed out as the wolf had turned her back to leave.

The wolf sighs and looked back at the ram, “Why are you a cross-dressing, self-absorbed, low brow neanderthal?”

“I don’t appreciate your attitude with me!” Leo snarled the words, showing his teeth.

“I don’t appreciate you breathing the same air as me.” Tracey fired back, showing her own sharp teeth. “You want me to take you down a few notches, sheep?” The wolf looked down at the boots he had on. “Just how high are those damn things anyway?”

The ram gives an awkward look at the threat then lets out a snort before outright laughing. “W-wow… this is great!”

The wolf flicked an ear sharply giving the younger man a confused look. “W-what the fuck are you talking about?”

“You! This… my bodyguard is threatening to beat me up! Damn Max, what the fuck have you done this time?!” The ram lets out a chuckle and leaned down to smack the rat on the back.

“Uh… w-what? Y-yeah! Pretty great huh? Ha… ha...” The rat gave an awkward grin and then shot the wolf an apologetic look.

“Okay look, I already said find someone else!” Tracey fired back with a glare.

“I want you.” The ram said pointedly with a playful grin.

That made the wolf's cheeks feel warm for some reason before she drooped her ears and growled. “Well you don’t always get what you want in life, pretty boy!”

“Oh, do you think I’m pretty?” Leo said with a bemused smile.

Tracey couldn’t help but yip at the brazen words and then clenched her fists before snatching her bags up. “No! I think you look ridiculous! I am so done with this bullshit! I, seriously… I… I’m too old for this!”

The wolf stomped towards the exit her tail furiously thrashing about. Leo blinked at the wolf defiantly walking away, taking a second to admire how her butt looked in those black jeans before shaking his head. He quickly outpaced the dog and moved in front of her. “H-hang on a sec!”

“Get out of my way, sheep!” The wolf snapped her teeth together glaring up at the taller man.

“For fuck sakes will you just hear me out!?” Leo puts his hands on his hips leaning down as his green eyes met her azure ones.

“I’ve heard enough to last me a lifetime, you opinionated pompous ass!” Tracey snarled the words and pushed around him to continue on her way.

Leo hissed through his teeth and rubbed the back of his head, “I'm sorry, okay?”

The wolf stopped and raised her ears. It shocked her someone like him would consider an apology. Tracey dialed the rage down a few notches and took a calming breath before glancing at the idol. “Why do you give a fuck now?”

“It’s uh… refreshing?” Leo spoke the words with a laugh.

“Are you high?” Tracey barked out with an unamused look.

“I-I’m serious, can you hear me out?” The ram quickly moved over to her as he continued to speak. “Look, I need a bodyguard, and you’re the first person I’ve met in years that isn’t falling all over themselves to kiss my ass.”

“Or put up with your bullshit, don’t forget that one!” The wolf interjected with a glare.

“Y-yeah… sorry...” Leo rubbed the back of his head looking away awkwardly. Tracey looked the young man over once more, he was close enough to smell now and he smelled pretty nice. Despite the flamboyance he had a distinctly masculine and strong scent to him. The wolf huffed out and closed her eyes before turning around to the manager and dropping her bags. “Where can I put my stuff?”

“So you’re going to do it?!” Leo spoke out with a bright smile.

Tracey cut him a look and raised a finger. “You’re here for the weekend. I will do the gig for the two days, and we will see how it goes. Then, I will decide if I’m going to put up with your shit for the long term or not.”

“Thank you Mrs. Wellford. I will put your things away in the dressing room!” Max spoke the words happily as he reached for the duffle bags.

“You touch those and I break your arm!” The wolf barked out sharply, the rat shrinking back instantly. “And do you see a damn ring on my finger? None of this ‘Mrs.’ crap. Just leave it at Tracey, period.” The wolf barked the words as she snatches her own bags up. “Let’s go.”

Max quickly scurried forward as the wolf followed after him. Leo stood there still trying to process the whole situation, watching the wolf's backside the whole way. He had seen all kinds of females in his touring, but this was the first one he had found that was so self-confident and didn’t care about his fame or status. “Damn… she’s actually really cute...” He huffed the words to himself aloud.

Tracey yelled out from the entrance to the dressing room. “Hey, Sheep! Stop staring at my ass and get over here, we gotta go over a few things before your show!”

Leo glared and scowled as he stomped after the two of them, quickly thinking he should reconsider the ‘cute’ part. “I told you, I’m not a fucking sheep!”

Thank you for reading and I hope you look forward to the next episode.
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