The Council’s Plan

CHAPTER 42- The council’s plan
As if to help me out of the awkward conversation with Nick, I get a link from the front gate. “The council member is here.”
“Send him to the clinic first, we will deal with the rogues and Allison after.”
“Yes Alpha.” Kyle ends the link.
I look over at Nick. “Well, the council member is here. We are going to find out how much of a shit storm we are in soon.”
“How do you know the council person is here?” He looks me over, clearly I never pulled out my phone. He is probably wondering if I am some mind reader or something.
“It’s a wolf thing. Well, I can do it with Jay too, but I am the only one that can. It is called a mind link. It is how we wolves work together. Since I am Alpha blood, I have a stronger connection to the pack. Usually wolves are only able to connect to their family members. I can connect with everyone. It is still a little weak, when I take over in about two years, it will be a lot stronger.”
The council guy must have moved quickly, he is at the door as I finish what I was saying. “Well, don’t be telling him all our secrets now.” He gives me a smile. He is a little taller than me with dark hair and dark eyes. He seems to be friendly. I guess that’s a good sign.
I stand and come up to him with my hand extended. “Thank you for coming. I know you were already on your way with the rogue situation but this came up. I am Jasmine, I am acting Alpha while my father is away.”
He takes my hand. “I am council member David. I am actually glad it is you I am meeting with. I have some good news, it looks like we can combine the problems and fix them both.” The smile hasn’t left his face. I am not sure if he is joking or not.
I indicate the chair for him to sit so that he can explain. He takes it and looks at both Nick and I. “I take it that you two knew each other before today’s show.”
“Yes, we went to school together.” I replied.
“I heard that you are friends with humans. That will make this a whole lot easier.” He leans forward resting his elbows on his knees. “As we see it, this part of the state is a low population area. The rogues have taken that as a sign that they can push us out of our territories, because we have small packs in the area. They have been pushing random attacks that force the packs to move on, by eventually calling a meeting with the Alpha telling them that they will expose them to the humans if they don’t leave. The leaders of the packs have no choice but to pack it up. We think that we can change that. If we eliminate the threat to the packs then the rogues won’t have leverage over the packs. That is where you and your friend come in.”
I look at him like he has not explained a thing. I still have no clue what he is talking about. “Okay, but I don’t see how we can fix this.”
“Since you already have a connection with humans, we plan to use it. They are familiar with you. They know that you have not hurt them over the years. You have gained their trust, even if they didn’t know what you are. We plan to expose you to them and then to direct leaders in the community. If those people can see that we mean no harm then your pack can continue to live here in peace. If this fails then you are going to have to move.” His smile falls at the last part. “The council has debated about this and have decided that this is the only option to keep your pack intact. When packs have to move they usually break apart. There just isn’t enough land anymore for packs to have their own land if they give up what they have.”
“Won’t the rogues just continue to attack.” I counter.
“Unfortunately they might. The good news with that is that they don’t have the numbers to really cause damage to the pack. They have grown a bit with dispersing the other packs. There have been some that couldn’t find another pack to move to. We are hoping to lower their numbers by keeping these small packs intact and integrating the wolves into them. We just need Alpha’s ready to take them on. We are hoping that you can be one of those Alpha’s. The leader of the rogues is a pretty determined man. It seems he has a goal. We aren’t quite sure what it is. At first it seemed that he was just in a rage, then it turned into something different. He has been plotting his way towards this pack.”
I am a little caught off guard. I knew my job was going to be important and difficult but I didn’t know it would be like this. “I don’t see why we wouldn’t be able to take on some wolves. Our pack does well here. The wolves would have to be willing of course. Plus the final say right now goes to my father.”
“We would never force rogues into a pack. Those that we have to hunt down will be dealt with. We know there are quite a few who only want to destroy what we are building with our packs. Those wolves will have to be dealt with effectively.”
Nick pipes up. “So you aren’t going to take away my memories?”
David chuckles. “Nope. We are going to let you stay here and heal up. We can’t have you running around with wounds like that when we are trying to tell people we are safe, but after you are healed up you are free to go.”
Nick looks thoughtful. “What if I don’t want to go?” That caught me a little off guard again. I was not expecting Nick to say that, why the hell would he want to stay here. He can’t possibly still want a relationship with me when he knows that I am building a family with Hunter.
David looks thoughtful. “I guess it would be up to the Alpha. You can discuss that with him when he returns. As of right now he is still in charge of the pack. Jasmine is going to be key to the integration of humans, she is the only wolf that we know who has a solid relationship with them. That is why we are referring to her in this matter. As for you staying with the pack, well that is up to her father.”
I can see Nick pale a little. “Her father. That is a scary thought.”
I chuckle, “You will find out tonight. He should be back by then.”
Nick pales even more. I don’t think he ever figured he would have to meet my dad. He can be rather intimidating when he wants to be. “Don’t worry, he doesn’t bite. He might growl a little.”
David slaps his knees and stands. “Well, now that is settled. I will have to go see this she-wolf that exposed us. The rogues I will take back to the council to be interrogated. It is getting rather late though, so I was hoping to stay in the pack house if there is room. I understand that you have an Alpha visiting as well.”
I nod. “Yes, we do, but there is still room. Alpha Christian, was here discussing the future plans for his son if anything should happen to him.” I had almost forgotten that I was holding Eli. He has clung to me like he is a part of my skin.
David smiles at the little guy in my arms. “Yes, I see he has made a good choice. With his Luna gone, I know that has been a concern for us as well. We don’t want his pack to break up if something happens to their Alpha. Thankfully he pulled through that. We were a little worried we were going to have to replace him. I am glad to see that we don’t have to do that.”
“I am relieved as well. Christian has been through a lot. I would hate to see him lose something else. He does love his pack. He is concerned about this rogue situation as well.”
“That is why this is so important. We would be able to stop the rogue advancement. As long as we can convince the humans that we are peaceful. I think the fact that you have been working with them this whole time without a conflict will really work in our favor.”
“Well, after you see Allison in the cells and you are settled in, send for me and we will discuss how we will make this play out.”
David gives me a nod and a smile. “I will see you later then.”
I turn to Nick. “So get some rest now. There is no need for me to watch over you. I think it would be best if you rested and healed. I will be by to see you later.” I nod to him and leave the clinic. I am tired and need some rest. I have to have a clear head for this meeting with the council member later.
I head straight up to my room with Eli. He looks tired too. Probably the trip yesterday took a lot out of him. “Hey buddy. I want to take a nap. You want to come with me?”
He just nods as he leans his head on my chest. I swear I have never seen him this docile when it comes to a nap. He must have really been worked up. I am sure that some rest will do us both some good.
HUNTER’S P. O. V.
I am finally done with patrol. I would have much rather stayed with Jasmine. I am so worried about her and the baby. I know they were given a clean bill of health, but still I want to make sure they are safe. I enter our room and see her passed out on the bed curled up with the Alpha’s little boy. I used to have an irritation seeing that boy wrapped around my mate, but now that I know she isn’t going anywhere, I think it is adorable. It is a testament of the mom she is going to be. If she can show this boy that much love, then how much more is she going to show our baby.
I think of waking her, but she looks so beautiful I don’t want to ruin the scene. I decided I will take a shower before I try to wake her. It would be best if I didn’t smell like sweat when I wrap her in my arms.
After my shower and I am dressed, I gently shake her awake. I need to know what the council said. What does this mean for the pack? What does this mean for us? She rolls over blinking her eyes and taking a second to clear her vision. She smiles up at me. “Hey, you.”
“Hey baby. How did it go?” I take her hand in mine.
She lets out a big sigh, “Well, it would seem that the entire fate of the pack rests on my shoulders. Not only the pack but all wolves.”
I am a little taken back. “That seems a bit much don’t you think?” She can’t have this type of stress thrown at her.
“It would seem that since I have such a good rapport with the humans that it is me. Other wolves have not bridged the gap, so now it is up to me. I have to say, I don’t hold up much hope for this plan.”
I look down at her and the self doubt that she has makes my heart hurt. I doubt she would feel this way if it wasn’t for me. “Baby, I know you can do this. You have managed so much with the humans. I will be right by your side. That Nick guy still wants you and he found out you aren’t human. There has to be something to that right?”
“Hunter, I can’t even shift right now. I shouldn’t have shifted to get to you. The doctor said it’s not good for the baby. Thankfully she is ok.”
“She?” I chuckle.
She gives me the cutest look, like ‘don’t argue with me’. “Like I would have a boy first. Also I am starting to think it is too much. If I can’t pull this off then the pack will have to move, maybe even break apart. How can I do all this?”
I pull her fingers up to my lips. “How do you do all that you do? You are able to do it, because of your heart. I know you will have a plan. Plus think of it this way, I know you felt guilty about lying to your friends, you can come clean. See what they say. You already know the worst that can happen. No one will be hurt. That is what we are trying to avoid. I am going to be with you. I’ll do the shifting for you.”
She is quiet for a minute. “I guess it would be best to start with Zoe. I’ll need you and Jay. She trusts Jay and me. If I can convince her without her freaking then I might feel a little better about this.”
I roll my eyes. “Like Zoe would ever stop being your friend. That girl will defend you until her dying day. She loves you to pieces. When you didn’t come back to school, she tried to beat me, claiming it was my fault. Not that she can really hurt me, but you get the point.”
Jasmine chuckles. “She is pretty fierce.”
“You know I’m right. Now, that is settled, how much longer is the pup here?” I raise my eyebrows suggestively so she knows what I have in mind.
“You think because I marked you that you can jump my bones whenever you want now.” She gives me mock indignation.
“Absolutely. I need it, baby.” I give her my best puppy dog eyes.
“You’re lucky you’re cute.” She gives me a sideways glance. “He should be up soon, he fell asleep over an hour ago.”
I look down at the little boy curled around my mate. He really is cute. It is going to be so different when it is my pup, but what if something happens to Christian and this is our pup? How would I feel about him then? I never had anything against the boy, only his dad. Right now he has his little fingers wrapped around my girl’s shirt. I have to say that I don’t mind him.
“Baby, I really can’t wait to have our pup. I don’t care if it is a girl or boy, as long as it is ours.” I still haven’t taken my eyes off the boy.
She gives me a smile. “Well, it is definitely yours. I haven’t been with anyone else.” She chuckles a little at my statement.
I am exasperated. “You know what I mean. I want our pups. I think we should start talking to your dad about remodeling this place. We need lots of room.” I smirk a little at the last part.
“You aren’t even going to give me time in between?”
I shake my head. “Oh, no. I just want to keep watching you swell with my pups. Over and over again.” I give her a dark gaze, letting her know my desire for her. It is the strongest feeling I have ever felt. I can’t get enough of her. “I love you Jasmine.”
I see the sweetest smile on her face. “I love you too Hunter.”
As if lightning struck my brain, I remember something. “Oh, I have something for you. I left it in my old room. I’ll be right back.” I give her a quick kiss on the forehead and dash out of the room towards my old room.
On the bedside table sits the little black box, right where I left it. I grab it up and run back upstairs, only to get caught by my dad half way there. “Hey, son. A word.”
I stop and turn around to him. “Yeah dad.” He notices the box in my hand.
“I am hoping that things are going well with Jasmine.”
“Perfect. I have something that I have to tell you and mom later, but not right now. I want to tell you both together. Just know for now that Jasmine and I are doing perfect.” I give him a smile so that he knows I am serious. I don’t want him to worry about this anymore.
“She didn’t get hurt earlier did she?”
“Not a scratch.” I shake my head.
“Good, I heard that someone had to be rushed to the clinic and I panicked a little, especially when I heard that you rushed down there.” I can see the concern on his face, he really was worried about her.
“It was someone else, I rushed there, because she was at the incident. I was scared shitless, if I am being honest. But she handled it and didn’t get one bruise.” I am beaming with pride. Not that I am happy that she had to fight that bitch, but that she handled it and nothing happened to her.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to it. I think we should have that talk soon. You know the ‘what’s going on’ talk, especially with your mother. She is hounding me for answers, and the Alpha won’t tell me anything. Says I need to hear it from the horse’s mouth. I point out that I don’t care about the horses but our kids and he doesn’t think that is so funny.” I chuckle a little. My dad is the worst at jokes. Ultimate dad jokes here.
“How about after dinner? I’ll meet you both in the library, I’ll bring Jasmine, so that way you know I’m not lying. I am sure mom will be ecstatic.” I drop my little hint. I am actually a little curious if my mom will pass out from the news.
“See you then son.” My dad gives me a smile and pats my shoulder. This is my permission to leave.
I take it. I want to get this back on her finger now. I ran up the rest of the stairs. When I come back into the room, Eli is up. He is hugging my mate, like she is his mother. I am starting to find that I don’t mind. He is a good kid. I give him a smile. “Hey, kid, did you have a good nap?”
He looks up at me like I am an insane person. I guess I never really talked to him before. Jasmine chuckles a little. “It’s ok Eli. This is your uncle Hunter. He is a little rough around the edges but he isn’t so bad.”
Eli looks at me like he is judging me. Then he cocks his head to the side. “Good.” I am guessing that is an answer to my question.
I put my hand out to indicate a high five. He looks at it for a full minute before he extends his hand and gives me a high five. “Great job. Later on, I’ll take you on the playground with Aunt Jasmine. Won’t that be fun?”
I see his eyes light up. I think I am winning points here. Jasmine is even smiling. If anything, the kid is great practice for mine. He nods his head and smiles. “Play.”
“Yep, but first. I have something for Aunt Jasmine.” I hold up the box.
Jasmine smiles at it. “I thought that was lost.”
“It was for a minute. Your dad found it. I held onto it until I could put it back where it belonged. Can you please put it on now? I know that it doesn’t mean much to others, but it means a lot to me. I picked this out just for you and I like seeing it on you.” I hold out the box for her to take.
She holds on for a minute. Enough time for me to panic that she maybe doesn’t want it. “Put it on me then.” She smirks.
I waste no time taking her hand and placing the ring as soon as I pull it out of the box. I kiss her finger after I place it. “Right where it needs to be.” I smile at her. “Now, should we take this little guy out to play. Then he can spend some time with his dad before dinner.” I squeeze her hand so she understands that I want some alone time too, only with her.
She rolls her eyes, but starts getting Eli ready to go outside to play.