Revolutionary
 
At least eight years had passed between Jackson’s death and his resurrection; an agonizing time that he’d spent in some hellish purgatory rather than a peaceful afterlife.  Whether it was something he’d done during his lifetime to deserve that or some hex the Strix pulled out of their ass with some witches, he hadn’t a clue, but he was damn sure glad not be there anymore and he had Vincent to thank for it.  Another eight or so years had passed between Jack’s resurrection and Hayley’s untimely death.  During that time, Hayley knew nothing of his existence.  It wasn’t that he didn’t love her or want to be with her, but she’d moved on after his death, seemed happy with her life and he wasn’t going to take that away from her.  As the saying went, if you love something let it go… and all that jazz.  Moving on as well, Jackson quietly took the wolves deeper into the bayou where they’d constructed an elaborate community and lived peacefully in their society.  While he kept an elusive presence to the outside world, it was under Jack’s leadership and guidance to his council that led to the alliances with the other factions allowing them all to coexist in peace… for now.   

More than two months had passed since Hayley’s mysterious reappearance in the bayou.  During that time, she and Jackson had managed to reconcile their marriage, learn some interesting albeit concerning side effects of resurrection, break some furniture and take a few amazing vacations.  Jack had sought the guidance of the elders in the pack regarding the endurance of marriage vows, the unification ritual and death of both spouses, and while it was determined that he and Hayley were still married, he’d proposed to her anyway in a grand gesture of making it official to renew their vows.  The pack would continue to recognize them as husband and wife, but renewing their vows would give it the extra oomph to really seal the deal for everyone.

Afternoon wolf runs and naps were becoming a norm.  Hayley needed the stability of daily rituals and this was one of her favorite.  While she preferred to embrace her wolf form, Jackson’s human form served him best as the alpha, but he indulged her.  His nap came to an abrupt end when Hayley decided to pounce.  His first instinct was that she was in trouble and he took a defense stance, snarling and ready to attack.  She came barreling at him like Tigger, sending them rolling down the hill locked together, tough and tumble in a blur of fur and leaves.  When they came to a halt, he was confused, looking for the danger.  His gaze met her golden hues, finding the humor there as she chuckled returning to her human form.  Her bare ass was the view against the backdrop of their waterfall as he also returned to his human form to join her for a swim. 

“Not funny Hales.  I thought you were in trouble.  I was ready to rip someone’s throat out…” The water in the spring was clear so that the bottom was visible at several feet deep and the temp was perfect for a refreshing dip.  Getting a running start, he dove in, coming up behind her to gently bite her shoulder.  While his feet could touch the bottom, hers could not.  He held her up, turning her to face him while trailing kisses over neck. The sound of breaking sticks beneath walking feet caught his attention; his head shot up, his gaze scanning the area.  “Well, well, well, look what we have here…” Oliver’s smartass antics coupled with Aiden’s laughter ravaged his mood.  This was their private spot and these fools were intruding.  Jackson lowered his head sighing in defeat.  “Hayley, where are your clothes?  I’ll get them.”