Nic glanced around the main area of the large, modern cabin Elam had leased for his stay in Alaska. More like an estate property than a cabin. He bristled at the thought of Elam leaving the way he’d originally planned, but in the week since he’d claimed him as his mate, Elam had made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere. But, Elam did have the lease for a year regardless, so they discussed maybe staying there on occasion as if it were a vacation home. If nothing else, Elam had insisted he stop by to check that his boxes had safely arrived and to dispose of any fresh foods that might have gone bad.
Elam reappeared from the bedroom where he’d dragged one of the boxes. The indigo, open weave sweater he wore complemented his skin and hair, brightened his eyes and made Nic want to tear it from his body.
“I have some nice wine here, and I could make us something light to eat if we decide to stay the night. We could even…” Elam ducked his head. “hunt for something.”
The first time they’d chased prey together, Elam had hesitated, and the doe had gotten away. Nic had been so damn proud of him for trying, though. The shifts were becoming easier and Elam wasn’t fighting them anymore.
“Are you feeling the urge to run?”
One of the best parts of setting his wolf free was the thrill of the chase, to bound through the snow or splash in the rivers during the months of summer. A new wolf tended to have the compulsion to shift more often until they became accustomed to sharing the spirit of their wolf in their physical body.
Elam shook his head. “No. I’ve actually been a little tired today.” He gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I kinda wanted to make up for the other night.”
“We don’t need to run tonight.” Nic snickered. “No wonder you’re tired. We’ve had quite a week.” Running, touching, fucking…
Elam barked out a laugh but also flushed red. “We certainly have. I’ll see what I can come up with in the kitchen then.”
They hadn’t been able to keep their hands off each other—only the times they’d spent racing through the woods had kept them from humping non-stop. Nic hadn’t known he was capable of getting it up that often. But, it had to be that Elam’s heat—or whatever it was—was over, because he’d noticed the night before that they’d both calmed down somewhat. He hadn’t thrown Elam on the mattress or shoved him against the wall or even pushed him to the ground while Elam begged him to ram it in.
Which brought to mind another aspect of their coupling that had struck him as odd. Nic frowned, wondering if he should discuss with Elam about having to stop and get some cooking oil to help with prep the past couple nights. Elam hadn’t complained, and Nic had been holding off on getting into too many discussions about things he didn’t understand himself until he could meet with Asha the next day. Elam still held some fears about his new status as part wolf as it was. No point in worrying him over nothing.
Elam called out from the other room. “Hey! I found some actual vegetables.”
Nic wrinkled his nose as he made his way to the kitchen. He paused when he entered and spotted the turnips and yams Elam held up. That’s a relief. They weren’t green, so he could live with that.
“Won’t those take a few hours to cook?”
Elam set them down on the counter then pulled some more items from the walk-in pantry that was about the same size as Nic’s entire kitchen area.
“Depends. But I wasn’t thinking of using them tonight anyway.” He held up a large plastic package. “Smoked salmon.” He tossed it next to the root vegetables. “Sadly, none of your sister’s awesome bread, but there’s some rye crackers and…” The sound of contents being shuffled around could be heard. Elam emerged from the interior of the closet again. “Spanish olives and some sort of fancy processed cheese that doesn’t need to be refrigerated.”
Nic grunted. “It’s been refrigerated in here regardless.”
Elam chuckled. “True. Then it’ll be doubly fine.”
Nic helped Elam gather up the items for their makeshift meal along with the wine and glasses. Once they’d set everything on the round oak table in the dining area—that wasn’t as close to the fireplace as Nic would have made it if he’d been in charge of designing the home—they took a seat on the captain’s chairs, scooting next to each other so they could share everything. They’d gotten the fire going first thing after they’d arrived, so at least the room had warmed to a tolerable temperature.
After taking a few moments to eat, Nic noticed that Elam was barely having anything. He’d set down a half-eaten cracker topped with a slather of cheese and a chunk of salmon, pushed the small plate away and was sipping his wine instead.
“Are you sure you’re just tired and nothing else?”
Elam bumped shoulders. “I think it’s what you said. I’m just worn out from the intensity of this entire week.” He placed his glass down then gazed up at Nic, a contented smile gracing his lips. “I need to tell you something. I can tell how worried you’ve been about me since the bite, which is so sweet of you. But you have nothing to be concerned about. I’ve never felt so cherished before, or so alive. I believe with all my heart this is where I’m supposed to be, that you’re who I’m supposed to be with, and I want to reassure you that I won’t be leaving. Not at the end of the year, not ever.” Elam glanced away. “I mean, unless you…”
Nic grabbed his chin and forced him to lock eyes with him again. “No ‘unless’. You’re my mate, you’re mine. I…”
Nic couldn’t push the words out, not when he could barely say the sweet things he knew Elam needed to hear, even if Elam never asked to hear them. So, rather than telling him what he’d known for the past few days, telling his mate he loved him, he took him in a deep kiss, hoping that Elam understood somewhere inside, that maybe Elam’s wolf would remind him that Nic would never, ever let him go. That he couldn’t live without him.
When he broke the kiss, he was pleased to see that Elam’s features radiated peace and his smile had returned. Nic’s wish was that Elam would be happy every day from then on. While he acknowledged there would be challenges ahead and that not every day could be perfect—Nic’s mission would be to make as many of them as joyful for Elam as possible.
* * * *
Elam had offered to shift for the visit to Nic’s family, but he’d insisted Elam should take it easy. Nic had remarked that he appeared a bit pale and that since Elam had complained about being tired the night before, that he shouldn’t push himself.
I don’t want them to think I’m weak, that I’m not good enough to be part of the pack. Elam sighed. Or Nic’s mate.
Nic reached across the bench seat of his older model Jeep and clutched Elam’s hand. “Are you sure you’re feeling well enough for this? We can go another time.”
“I’m fine, I promise.” Elam put on the brightest smile he could manage. “Like you said, if I don’t shift for a day or two, I’m sure I’ll get all my reserves back. Then I can keep up with you, no problem.”
Nic let him go, pressing his lips together as he grasped the wheel with both hands, gazing ahead on the road that had only been plowed the day before. “I’m not expecting you to keep up. All that matters to me is that you’re well.”
“I know.” Elam furrowed his brow. “I guess…I just hope your pack accepts me, that’s all. What will they think if I don’t shift when I’m there?”
Nic grunted, a low sound in his chest. “They have to accept you. You’re my fated mate. That’s a sacred thing in a pack and not to be questioned.” Nic frowned. “At least, it didn’t used to be.”
Oh. Nic had filled him in on everything that had been going on with the Alliance and the intrigue with his brother, Artur. Part of the reason they were visiting was to show Elam off, but the other motivation had to do with the trouble brewing within the pack.
“They can’t blame you for your brother’s actions. And I’m sure once you meet with your council, you’ll be able to smooth things over.”
The corner of Nic’s mouth twitched. “I hope you’re right. I used to have a lot of influence there, a lot of respect—but I don’t know anymore. I’m sure a lot of people haven’t forgiven me for stepping aside.”
Nic’s reasoning for why he’d decided against fulfilling his role as pack Alpha and letting his brother become heir-apparent had seemed understandable—to a point. Yet, Elam couldn’t help but wonder if things could be different now that he’d entered the picture as an actual mate to Nic. Do they do things like surrogacy? If having an heir for the pack was such a big deal, then maybe that would be acceptable? He didn’t have enough information about living the shifter life yet, so he’d wait things out before asking too many questions that might be touchy for Nic.
“This is it. Just a half-mile or so down this turn in the road is the edge of town.”
While Nic’s cabin and the surrounding area were remote, in truth, so was the entire region he’d seen so far. Had he not been with Nic, the promise of civilization so nearby wouldn’t have been apparent. Elam clasped his hands together to keep from fidgeting. His nerves ramped up as they drew closer and he struggled to keep his breathing steady. If the Wolf Creek Pack was going to be his life, being accepted would mean so much. Nic had assured him over and over that he knew his family would welcome him with open arms, but that either way, it wouldn’t matter to him. He’d reminded Elam that as his fated omega, Nic would always protect and care for him, no matter what.
I think I love him.
He wasn’t ready to say it, especially since he wasn’t clear if Nic felt the same way. Even if they were meant to be together it wasn’t a guarantee that Nic would fall in love with him. They might end up being great friends having mind-blowing sex and nothing more. Which is okay. He swallowed hard. Except for the part where Elam was sure he’d already gone beyond the friends point and could find himself with a broken heart if Nic never grew to care about him beyond being his destined protector.
“This is my sister’s house. We’ll start here then go see my father and brother later.” Nic gave him a quick glance. “Nothing to do with you. I’m still pissed at my brother for that stunt he pulled and didn’t want to go in there with fists flying last time I was here.” Nic put the truck in park then angled his body toward Elam, favoring him with a grin. “I’ve had the chance to blow off plenty of steam this week, so I think I can deal with him now without injuries being involved. But I’d rather chill with my sis first.”
Blowing off steam. Elam fought against the irrational emotions that rushed through him, making his eyes burn and throat thick. “Sounds good.”
A crease formed between Nic’s brow as he regarded him, and he brushed his knuckles down Elam’s cheek. “I don’t think we should stay the night after all. You’re still so pale and now you seem shaky.”
Elam’s weepiness turned to aggravation. “Don’t worry about me, seriously. Your family is going to think I can’t handle being a shifter, that I’m a horrible mate for you who will never fit in.” And I sound like a whiny brat. He couldn’t imagine why his mood was all over the place the way it was.
Nic arched his eyebrows. “Did I say something to upset you? I know I’m not any good at this.”
Elam sighed then undid his belt to scoot closer. “No, you haven’t done anything wrong. I don’t know what’s up with me right now. It has to be something messing with my system because I was turned. I’m sure that’s all it is.”
Nic narrowed his eyes, then gathered Elam into his arms. “You tell me if I fuck up, okay? I’m not used to sharing my life with anyone.” He gave Elam a squeeze. “And I mean that in the best way. I didn’t realize how much being alone sucked major ass until you came along.”
Elam snorted out a laugh, his mood instantly returning to normal. “Deal. I’m used to being suspicious of my partner’s words and motives, so I’ll work on not assuming you’re out to scam me.” Elam peered up at him. “I know you’re not like that, so I’m sorry if I unfairly treat you that way.”
Nic smiled. “Learning curve, right?”
Elam pressed a kiss to his lips before answering. “Right.” Another thought occurred to him. “And like you said, I can always ask your pack’s spirit guide about what I’m going through. She can probably give me some advice.”
Nic jostled him. “Yup. And I know she’ll want to meet you too.”
After a more lingering kiss, they hopped out of the Jeep and Elam took a deep breath as he prepared to meet the first member of Nic’s family.
* * * *
Nic wondered when his sister might run out of questions for poor Elam. She had to be on the hundredth one and they’d barely been there an hour. They were gathered around her kitchen table where they’d been drinking coffee and besides being grilled like a cheese sandwich, Elam had been holding his two-year-old niece, Katya, on his lap, while his nephew, Greg—who would soon be four—ran around the house alternately yelling about Power Rangers and throwing them.
Alex rolled her eyes. “Sorry, Elam. This is the pre-nap freak-out. He’ll hit the ground shortly, then I’ll toss a blanket over him.”
Elam laughed as he bounced Katya on his lap, proving Nic right when he’d predicted how great Elam would be with his sister’s kids. As Elam continued to focus his attention on Alex as she shared a whacky story from her first shift, Nic took the opportunity to gauge how Elam was faring physically. He couldn’t imagine why he was being so antsy about Elam’s condition, but he couldn’t stop worrying about him for some reason. Then again, it might not be overreacting if being turned had wreaked havoc on Elam’s system.
Yes. We should go see Asha before we leave.
“Hey, bro. You still with us?” Alex snapped her fingers in front of his eyes.
Nic frowned at her. “What? I’ve heard this story a thousand times.”
She stuck out her tongue. “Whatever.” Alex regarded Elam. “I need you on my side here. Was that an awesome tale or what?”
Elam regarded him, his eyes much brighter than they’d been earlier. “Beyond awesome.”
Elam smiled wide and Nic’s heart skipped. If he could, he’d want to see that expression on Elam’s face every day for the rest of his life.
Nic winked at him, loving how Elam responded to it with happy surprise, his eyes rounding a bit before his grin grew even bigger. Nic turned to Alex. “What time does Papa expect us over for dinner?”
“About fifteen minutes after my roast comes out of the oven.”
Nic pursed his lips. “Then why are we all going over there? That’s such a hassle for you along with bringing the kids. They should come over here instead.”
“Not gonna lie, bro. Things are pretty tense in the pack right now. When I went to the herb and tea shop, while I was standing on the other side of the tall shelf in the back, I overheard Jackson telling Luna it seemed obvious to a lot of people that Papa was in on the deception with Artur and Dara. I don’t think he wants to leave the house right now until he decides how to handle everything.”
Nic let out a frustrated growl and threw his hands in the air, his sudden move startling Katya. Her bottom lip began trembling and Elam cuddled her closer. “Nic, you scared her.”
He regarded his niece who eyed him warily. “Sorry.” Did she understand words yet? He knew nothing about kids. It was probably for the best he’d never have any.
Nic returned his attention to Alex. “So, when do you figure he’s gonna decide to ‘handle’ this? How long has it been since Dara left?”
Alex leaned forward and placed her elbows on the table. “Look, I haven’t wanted to stress you out…” She darted her eyes to Elam then back to him. “But Papa’s not the same. He’s having memory problems, repeats himself and forgets things that happened the day before. Gets mad when I call him on it too. I’m worried about him. And I’m still angry at Artur for what he did. He could’ve placed our whole clan in jeopardy with his greedy stupidity.”
Nic tensed, angry at himself more than anything for keeping away from the pack, for staying separate. He was being pulled in so many directions. While he still clung to the belief that he couldn’t be pack Alpha, every urge, every part of him screamed that he should take charge. I might have to, if it comes down to it. He’d have to figure out how to face his brother, though. They’d never been super close, since he was almost ten years older, unlike Alex who was only two years younger than Nic.
“Okay. I need to know what’s going on, and I don’t want to do it while the kids are there or we’re trying to have dinner.” Nic rose then stepped over to Elam, bending down to place a kiss on top of his head, squeezing his shoulder as he did. “Can you help Alex with everything? You guys can meet me over there.”
Elam gazed up at him, worry creasing his forehead. “Of course. Whatever you need.”
Nic sighed. I need you, baby.
* * * *
Nic had almost jumped into the truck to drive the short distance to his father’s place, but at the last moment had decided stomping over there instead would be better. As he kicked the snow off his boots on the landing of his childhood home, he figured he’d burned up enough rage on the way there to remain calm and rational.
At least mostly.
He knocked on the door a bit too heartily and figured he’d give it ten seconds before he let himself in. Another thing he’d reminded himself of as he’d made his way there was that if his father was having health issues, he couldn’t be blamed for things falling apart the way they had. But that also means he’s not fit to remain Alpha either. Nic groaned as he yanked off a glove and scrubbed his face. What a fucking mess. He shoved both gloves into his jacket pocket and decided he’d done enough porch-standing for the day.
“Hey! It’s me, Nic.”
He stepped inside, unzipping his coat and pulling it off as he did. After flinging it onto one of the large wall hooks by the door, he glanced around the darkened room. The wood stove was going in the living room, so the temperature was reasonable—but other than that, he would’ve thought the place was empty.
“Papa? Artur?” He put his hands on his hips. The fuck? “Where is everyone?”
The door to his brother’s old room creaked open from down the hall and he emerged, yawning and scratching what was now a very rounded belly. Nic schooled his expression. He and his brother had always locked horns, Artur going out of his way to prove he was better than Nic and Nic trying to bring Artur in line.
“Keep it down, will ya? Papa’s taking a nap.”
Nic crossed his arms as he lost the battle to be civil. “I see he’s not the only one.”
Artur narrowed his eyes. “Hello to you too.” He huffed then brushed past him to the cabinet where their father kept all the booze. He opened one side then pulled out a bottle of whiskey and held it up. “Something to drink?”
“No. Thanks.”
Nic had gritted it through his teeth. Things appeared to be way worse than he’d imagined. He sucked air in through his nose and tried to compose himself before he spoke. They wouldn’t get very far if he started yelling at Artur right out of the gate. Nic cracked his knuckles then wandered over to one of the long sofas in the sunken living room to sit down. If he could maybe have a relaxed conversation with his brother before his father woke up, get his brother’s take on things first, then maybe everything wouldn’t get too out of hand.
His brother poured his drink with his back to Nic. “I’m guessing you’re here because Alex told on me?”
Nic shook his head, sighing. “You’re not twelve. This is her bringing me into the loop. I’m part of this family too, you know. Part of this pack.”
Artur whirled around. “Oh really? You are?” He took a slug of his drink. “Not last time I checked.”
Nic clenched his fists. “I came here today to have a reasonable discussion with you and with Papa. I don’t want to fight or accuse. But we have a much bigger issue that goes beyond whatever old grudges you might have against me.”
Artur’s eyes flashed. “Me? I don’t have any grudges! You asked if I’d step in, and I did. I can’t help it if Dara lied to me.”
Yeah. Right. “I don’t care about that. What’s done is done, but…” Dammit. He couldn’t help himself. “You do realize that had you just waited, you were guaranteed to be Alpha since it had already been arranged and approved by the council. Why bother with Dara at all?”
Artur let his gaze wander around the room as if he didn’t dare let it land on Nic. “She said it would make it more solid, that with a fated mate by my side, if we had a pup, no one would dare challenge me.”
“She said?”
He sneered at Nic. “I knew you’d try to blame me for everything.”
As he’d suspected, his brother wasn’t going to take responsibility for any of his actions, so it was time to move on. “Never mind. Like I said, it’s over with. What’s more important is what we do going forward.”
Artur drained the rest of his drink and frowned. “Do? Whaddya mean?”
“Alex told me there’s been some grumblings from the Yukon Delta Pack, that they’re thinking of issuing a challenge.”
Artur sputtered laughter. “Come on. No one in the Alliance has challenged another pack’s Alpha since the Old Country. They wouldn’t dare.” A ghost of worry crossed his features and he muttered something to himself. “Where did you hear that?”
The shifter who stood before him was a shadow of what his younger brother had once been. In recent years, Nic had been concerned whenever they’d gather together, but Artur seemed to have really gone downhill. He could understand why the thought of a burly Alpha challenging him to the death in his current condition had to be terrifying.
“All I know is that there’s been talk. But the first rule of being Alpha is to take every pack threat seriously no matter how unlikely it is, to make sure no enemy can find a way to sneak in.” Nic rubbed his chin. “Not that the Alliance is an enemy, but a rogue Alpha within the Alliance should be viewed that way—at least by us. This is our clan. Our family that’s ruled since the beginning of recorded shifter history.” Nic regarded his clearly worried brother. “We have to speak with the council, make them aware of the danger to the pack then make a decision as to how to handle it.”
His brother gaped at him for a moment then poured another shot of whiskey before beginning to pace across one end of the room. “Yeah, but I’m still Alpha, right?”
Nic took a beat before answering. What was I thinking? He can’t handle being a ruler. His father had insisted Artur was an Alpha from the time he was a whelp, and while Nic wouldn’t have initially pictured Artur in that role, his father was a clear and true Alpha, so Nic had never questioned him.
Too bad Alex is an omega.
“Artur, Papa is Alpha. You’re only heir apparent.”
He stopped and stared at Nic as though this was the first time he was hearing it, as if he hadn’t been raised his whole life knowing pack dynamics.
“But… So, if this were to go down, the Alpha from the Yukon Delta Pack would fight Papa, not me?”
“Right.”
His brother’s face crumpled and Nic released a portion of the tension he’d been holding. He hasn’t changed completely. He’s worried about our father.
“But Papa is so old. He’ll lose, we’ll lose the pack and I’ll go back to being just a nobody.”
Nic shook his head in confusion. “This isn’t about you. It’s about what’s right for the pack!”
Artur stomped over and jabbed his finger in Nic’s face. “It’s not fair. All you talk about is the pack this and the pack that. Well, the pack is supposed to do what the Alpha tells them to do and that’s it. Nothing else should concern them. I don’t even know why we have a damn council!”
His brother had never been the most philosophical or eloquent or intelligent wolf on the block, but he hadn’t been quite so deluded or self-serving before. Nic had honestly thought—at the time—that Artur would make a good leader once he grew older and was mentored by their father who had always been a highly revered Alpha and leader. Nic observed as Artur poured his third shot.
“Do you drink like that every day?”
Artur slammed down his glass, the contents sloshing out and onto the wood cabinet. “What the fuck business is it of yours? Huh? I heard from Alex you’re out in your private sanctuary in the woods, fucking your barely-legal human—”
“He’s twenty-six, idiot.”
“You’re a fucking idiot!”
Nic held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I was out of line with the idiot remark—”
“You’re outta line with everything! Go back to your cabin, Mister I Know Everything and take your human with you.”
“He’s not a human anymore.”
“And another thing—wait, what?” Artur stopped flailing then swayed a bit before stilling. “Whaddya mean he’s not human anymore?”
“I turned him. He’s a shifter now, my fated mate.”
Nic ducked as Artur’s glass flew in his direction, shattering against the wall behind him. His wolf grumbled and growled, scratching to come out, ready to claw and snap his jowls. Sink his teeth into flesh.
“That’s bullshit! You’re just making that up to fuck with me!”
Their father rushed into the room from the hallway. “Hey! What’s going on here? Knock it off!”
His hair might be disheveled and his wrinkles more deepened, but his father still appeared as strong as ever. Drink and sloth hadn’t tainted him, it would seem. Maybe Alex is wrong about his health. At least his father’s arrival had momentarily calmed Nic’s wolf.
Artur barely registered their papa’s admonishment, glaring at Nic as he continued his diatribe. “You still can’t have pups, that part hasn’t changed, so I don’t know why you’re here interfering with everything. The council wouldn’t choose you over me. You practically begged them to have me take your place, and even if Dara isn’t with me, I’ll find another woman to be my mate.”
Not like that, you won’t.
Their father had been finger-combing his hair and seemingly trying to get caught up on what was going on while Artur had ranted. “Nic, good to see you.” He turned to Artur. “What in the god’s names has you so damn angry that you’re smashing my glasses?”
“He’s trying to take back the title of Alpha. Tell him he can’t do that.”
Their father stared at Artur for a moment, then gave his head a slight shake before turning to Nic again. “Is that true?”
“The only true thing that’s happening right now is that I wanted to discuss the rumors going around that the Yukon Delta Pack is going to challenge us and what we wanted to do about it. I believe the council needs to be brought in regarding this matter. But as our Alpha, you’re the only one who can bring this to their attention.”
His father glanced down and he ran his hand over the top of his head. They all stood in silence as they waited for this response. With a heavy sigh, he lifted his gaze. “Yes. The council needs to be called to session so we can discuss the possible threat.”
“Bull. Shit!”
Right as Artur swept his arm across the cabinet which sent the whiskey bottle crashing to the wood floor, Alex opened the door with Elam and the kids right behind her.
“We’re here! Roast is piping hot and ready to be torn into!”
Artur made a snarling sound, and without another word, marched past everyone and out of the cabin, with Elam yanking Greg out of the way before Artur knocked the poor kid over.
Greg peered up at Alex. “Mommy? Why is Uncle Artur so mad?”
Nic covered his mouth. Alex met his gaze and he could practically hear the words in her mind saying ‘because he’s an asshole’.
“Maybe he’s had a bad day, honey. I don’t know, I just got here.” She widened her eyes at Nic on the last couple words.
Elam cleared his throat. It was then that Nic realized he held Katya while Alex held the covered roast pan. Katya had her arms around Elam’s neck and Nic tried to remember when she’d begun allowing anyone other than his sister to carry her.
His father turned to him. “I’m sorry, son. Things haven’t been right with him for a while. He doesn’t even show up at the lumber yard anymore, says why should the Alpha-to-be have to work such a menial job. I don’t know where he disappears to every day. I kept hoping…” His father sighed, the wrinkle in his brow making him appear even older than he was. He lifted his gaze. “You’ve been clear on your stance regarding being Alpha—the only true Alpha for our pack as far as I’m concerned—but I’m not above begging you at this point. We need you.”
Nic dipped his chin, a quick acknowledgement that it was time to give in to the inevitable and live up to his responsibilities. As Asha had said—one thing at a time. He could worry about the issue of not having an heir later.
“I’d like to speak with you alone after dinner.” Nic clasped his shoulder and they shared melancholy smiles. “But for now? Papa, I want you to meet my mate, Elam. Elam, this is my father, Max Petrov, pack Alpha.”
The expression his father radiated at Elam would linger in his memory forever. Not one shred of doubt existed, no hesitation as his father stepped forward to greet Elam with his arms open. Whatever fears Elam might have had about being accepted, they were clearly unfounded.
Now, if we can only preserve the clan name and keep the pack safe.