Human in the Pack Lands

CHAPTER 44- Human in the Pack Lands
The next morning we had a meeting with David from the council. Present at the meeting was David, my dad, Hunter, Hunter’s dad, Jay and me. David looked a little uneasy with Jay there but he tried to push it off. “I wasn’t aware that you still had a vampire in your midst.”
I smile. “Jay is a very intrical part of our pack at the moment. He trains with us and even fights off the rogues. He is very valuable and he will be a great asset in this mission, considering he was human until October.”
He shrugs his shoulders, “Well, your pack, your choice. As I was saying to you yesterday, we need to move fast, the rogues are not going to wait for much longer. Any day now they are going to give you an ultimatum, we need to be ready. Do you know how you are going to start?”
I sigh, I knew this was going to be on me. “Well, I am starting with my friends and branching out from there. I know we need to start as soon as possible. With Nick here it makes it principal that we work fast, but not while exposing him at the moment. It is going to take at least three weeks to heal. We don’t have that kind of time. I plan on starting this afternoon if that is alright with everyone. I know who to start with. It is still going to take time but I think it is possible.”
David looks around at the group. “Well, it looks like you have a plan. I am going to stick around to make sure that it is taken care of. I will be monitoring the situation and I want reports on progress. If something doesn’t go right I will be on hand to help. Does anyone have any questions?”
My dad clears his throat. “What are the chances of this working?”
David looks thoughtful. “Right now this is the only chance we have for the pack. So I hate to say put all your eggs in this basket, but I am afraid that you need to. Jasmine needs the support of the whole pack. It will be best for all if you made sure that she had it.”
My dad looks calm. He tightens his lips though, with a determined look. “Alright, I will hold a pack meeting this morning after this. Make sure that the pack knows what is going on.”
David nods again. “Good, that is one thing under control. I guess, start working on this project. We don’t have time to waste.”
I don’t even leave my seat. I pull out my phone and text Zoe. ME: Hey, girl want to come to my house. I have something to show you.
Her response is the fastest yet. ZOE: Are you serious, I have been dreaming of coming to your house. Do I drive there, or will someone come get me?
ME: I’ll be there in thirty.
ZOE: I am so excited.
I link Carlos, “Get the car ready we are heading into town to pick up someone.”
“Ready in ten.” He links back quickly.
I look at the men around me. “Alright Jay and Hunter you are with me. Let’s invite our first human to the pack. Dad, make sure the gate knows I am bringing her in, we don’t need them stopping us about a human.”
He nods. I look at Hunter’s dad. “Can you ask Tylor Brown to be close by. He is another face that she knows and that will make things easier. Also we can ask him about that Beta thing.”
It is so strange to be the one directing everyone else. They are all looking at me like I have the answers. I don’t even know what I am doing, it is all a guessing game for me. I can only hope that I am ready for all this.
When we pull in front of Zoe’s house, I think I am going to be sick. Jay tries to reassure me from the front seat. “She is your best friend, she is going to accept this. I did no problem.”
I groan, “That is because you were bitten by a vampire and didn’t really have a choice.”
Hunter pulls me closer. His skin on mine is comforting. I take a big whiff of his scent to calm me further. He squeezes me. “Relax, I have complete faith in you.”
I grumble. “I am glad someone does.”
He chuckles. “We all do, baby.”
I take a deep breath and head for the door. I am barely a step outside the SUV when Zoe comes bounding out. “I am so excited, I mean your house. I have never been there and we have been best friends for five years. This is like visiting OZ or something.”
I laugh at her statement. “You might think so when you get there.”
She squeals. “Lead the way.” She climbs in the back with Hunter and me. I am in the middle, leaning against Hunter for support and Zoe is chattering on about how excited she is. I didn’t know someone could say the same thing in so many different ways.
When we get close to the gate I stop Zoe from talking. “So, I bet you are wondering why I didn’t come back to school.”
She waves me off. “I figured that it was because Nick tried to get you to run off with him.” Hunter growls at that.
“A little. But the real reason is because I am pregnant.” I can see Carlos flinch in the front seat. I forgot that we never told him.
That got Zoe to shut up. I think she might pass out. “Holy shit. Are you serious? Is that what you wanted to tell me? Is that why I am out here?”
“I am serious, but that isn’t why you are here. I have something to show you. Well and something to tell you. It is one of those things that you aren’t going to believe unless you see it.”
She nods. “Is it where you are a werewolf?” Zoe gives me a big smile.
I think my heart just stopped. “How did you know?”
She laughs. “I love you girl, but you talk in your sleep. I have known for a long time. I figured you would tell me when you were ready.”
I look at Hunter. “Do I talk in my sleep?”
He grins. “Yeah, you do. I think it is adorable.” He kisses my nose.
Zoe looks at me, “So, I am guessing that Hunter is a werewolf too. But what does that make Jay?”
Jay looks back and flashes Zoe his fangs. “I am a vampire. Bitten before the halloween dance. That is why I had to come out here to live. Or else I would have eaten half the school. Not exactly what I could tell my parents.”
She looks a little shocked. “You aren’t going to eat me are you?”
Jay retracts his fangs. “No, I am the bag diet. The only blood that I have had out of a body is Jas’s.”
Zoe looks at me like he has to be joking. “He is joking right?”
“No, but I agreed to it. We needed a mental connection and that was how we got it done. I also had some of his blood, not my thing, but it didn’t kill me.”
Hunter growled. “I almost killed him though. He thought her blood tasted good.”
Zoe’s eyes are still wide. “Well at least there was a good reason.”
We pass through the gate with a nod from Kyle at the gate. They didn’t even stop us. My dad must have done his job. Zoe looks at Carlos, “are you a wolf too?” Carlos nods.
I take Zoe’s hand. “Everyone here is. You are going to meet my pack. Just remember that no one here is going to hurt you. You are completely safe.”
She smiles. “I know you would never take me anywhere where I could get hurt. Lead on sister. I can’t wait to see this world.”
I have to laugh. She is the same old Zoe. “Well, you are going to see a whole bunch of it.”
Carlos pulls in front of the pack house and we all start to unload. My father comes up to the front door followed by Hunter’s dad and Tylor Brown. Zoe takes one look at him and smiles. “He’s one too.”
I nod. “Yep. Why do you think his class is so cool?”
He just smiles. “Well I am glad that you guys enjoy my class. And yes I am a wolf. Doesn’t make me a different person.”
I motioned to my dad, “This is my dad who you have met.”
She shakes his hand. “This explains why you are built like a barn.” He just laughs. I think this is the first time that Zoe has ever seen him not have a stern look. “Wow, I didn’t know you could smile, let alone laugh.”
“Oh, I laugh quite often. You would be surprised when I am not happy. Only I have to show these people that I am strong and am not going to take any of their bull.” My dad is always trying to show his dominance, that he never realizes that he almost never has a smile.
I point to Hunter’s dad, “This is Hunter’s dad, Ryan.” He quickly shakes her hand.
“I am happy to see some new faces. I hope to see you around more often, since now you know what we are.
Zoe laughed. “Oh, I don’t think you can get rid of me now. I’m like a cockroach, once I’m in I never leave.”
We all share a laugh.
I start with a tour of the grounds. Once we pass the playground Zoe asks what I have been dreading. “So, I don’t see any actual wolves. Do you guys shift or do you call it something else?”
Hunter takes the question. “Well, Jasmine can’t shift right now, because it could be bad for the baby. When we get closer to the tree line I am going to shift to show you what we look like.”
She gets a puzzled look. “Why close to the trees? Do you need nature to shift or something?”
I laugh. “No, nothing like that. He needs the trees because when we shift we are naked. He’s going to strip down so his clothes don’t tear, then when he shifts back he will have something to change into.”
Zoe realized what I am saying. “OH, wow. Ok. Yeah, I don’t need to be seeing your man full monty. Not that I would mind, but you know, your man.” She winks at me.
I roll my eyes and slap her arm. “Shut up Zoe.”
Suddenly her gaze goes to something behind me. Her eyes lock with someone, I can tell that look. She looks like she is going to start salivating. “Don’t look now, but I think the hottest guy on the planet is headed this way.”
I hear Hunter growl. I have to look now. Yep, it’s Christian, with Eli running ahead to catch me. I laugh at Zoe, “Oh, not the hottest guy on the planet.” Hunter comes and puts his arms around me. Still not too comfortable with Christian.
Eli meets us first. “Aunty.” He runs into my arms. Squeezing me tight. Then he looks over at Hunter who gives him a high five.
“That’s a good little man.”
I hear Christian grumble. “Yeah, my son is starting to like you more now too. Great job uncle Hunter.”
Hunter just shrugs. “Well, what was I supposed to do? He is always around. I like him, not you.” He smirks.
“Behave you two.” I growl at both of them. They both bow their heads.
“Sorry.” From them both.
Zoe laughs. “You have really got a grip on your men don’t you?”
Hunter growls again.
Christian then turns his gaze to Zoe. It locks. I can tell that look, it is the same look that Hunter has when he looks at me. Without looking away from Zoe he takes my hand. “Can I talk to you for a minute? In private. Alpha business.”
I chuckle it is not Alpha business. I pass Eli to Hunter who takes him without complaint. I walk a distance away where Zoe can’t hear us, not to say that others can’t.
“What could possibly be bothering you?” A smile has not left my face.
He manages to look away from Zoe. “That is the human?” I nod. “I think, well, I think she is my mate.”
“I gathered that.”
He gets a shocked look. “How did you know?”
I laugh. “That is the same way that Hunter looks at me. I know the look. But understand this. You have to be patient, there is a lot going on here. For one she just found out about wolves. For another she is still in school. She has to finish out the year. She can’t just run off with you. She is human so the rules are different. Plus you know you have a kid, that is going to take a bit for her to adjust.”
He nodded. “I get that, I am a patient man. I waited a year for you.” He smirks.
I laugh, “No you didn’t, you asked my dad to marry me. Only because he said no did you wait. Rather impatiently I might add.”
“Ok, you got me there. Can I join you for the rest of the tour?” His eyes are pleading.
“Sure, just slow alright.” I make a point for him to know I am serious.
We walk back over to our ever growing group. “Christian will be joining us for the rest of the tour. Zoe, this is Christian, he is the leader of a neighboring pack.”
He smiles at her and takes her hand giving it a kiss. “Lovely to meet you.”
Zoe actually blushes. “Likewise.”
Jay groans. “You can not be serious.”
I laugh. “Oh, you better believe it.”
“I really am a fifth wheel now.” He groans and wraps me in a hug. “If I didn’t love you so much I would run away.”
“I think that might be why Vampires are nomadic.” I grin.
Hunter grunts. “Dude you can’t leave me here alone.”
Jay laughs. “Fine, I won’t leave. But someone has to find me a girl. I am dying here.”
Hunter and I laugh. Zoe looks at us like we are crazy. “What the hell just happened?”
Christian quickly covers. “Nothing. They are just being silly. Shall we continue?”
Hunter smiles. “I am just glad that this means I don’t have to worry about you stealing my mate again.”
Christian grumbles. “Watch it pup. I still might.”
“Knock it off you two. Please, we have a guest.” I look to Zoe to make my point. We are supposed to be showing that we are just like them.
Zoe comes over and links her arm with mine. “Come on. Show me around. Leave these guys to measure whatever it is that wolves measure. I have missed my best friend.”
Jay groans. “My best friend.”
Zoe wags her finger at him. “Nope, now that I know everything, I am top best friend. You are second again.” She gives him one of those playful looks like she is pitying him.
Jay just grins. “Think what you want little girl, but I am the best friend and I know it.”
I start leading the group on towards the trees, it is time for Zoe to actually see a wolf. She needs to know what we are. I also link Matthew and Mia, two of our smaller pack members, that way it doesn’t look like we are all as huge as Hunter and I. They arrive at the tree line just as we are approaching them.
I look around at our little group. “Alright Zoe it is time for you to see some wolves.” I point to Matthew and Mia. “Along with Hunter these guys are going to shift too. That way you get an idea of what we look like.” I nod to all of them. They all start heading towards the woods. After a few minutes wolves start to appear. First Mia comes out, she is one of the smallest wolves. Her brown wolf looks a little bit more of a dog. Then Matthew comes out, he has a gray wolf, one a little bigger than Mia, but still considerably smaller than mine. Hunter comes out of the woods and I hear Zoe take in a quick breath. Yeah he is a little smaller than me but still an impressive beast.
Suddenly Christian is in front of us. “Would you like to see my wolf?”
Zoe nods, which is odd for her because usually she won’t shut up. Christian starts taking off his shirt before he even heads to the woods. Yeah, he is showing off. Zoe starts to bite her bottom lip. Clearly she likes what she is seeing. I groan inwardly, these two are going to be impossible together. Eli is standing at my leg watching his dad. He must think this is ridiculous too, cause he is burying his head in my leg.
After a few minutes Christian’s wolf comes out of the tree line. He is a black wolf like me with no white spots. He is pure black. He comes and stands close to Hunter just to show that he is bigger than him.
I leaned into Zoe, “Now you know what they measure.”
She laughs. “So, you are going to have to tell me the story with you and Christian. What is the problem between him and Hunter?”
“When Hunter and I were having problems, Christian asked to marry me. Don’t worry he doesn’t have feelings for me anymore, but wolves are very possessive. Hunter isn’t over it.”
“So, what exactly happened?” All the wolves went back to the woods to shift back.
“I told Christian no, I was in love with Hunter. We went on one date. Share a couple of kisses, that’s it. Trust me he is as free as a bird, if someone would be interested in dating him.” I teased Zoe.
“Oh, someone most definitely would. Not sure my dad would be so cool with me dating a werewolf, especially one with a kid, but what he don’t know won’t hurt him.”
I snickered. “Don’t forget that he is a little bit older than you.”
“I know, but he is hot as hell. Don’t get me wrong Hunter is alright, but damn.”
I whispered to her so that Hunter couldn’t hear me. “Trust me it wasn’t because of his looks that I turned him down.”
Zoe starts to get a little nervous. “Do you even think that he would like a girl like me? I am human.”
“Oh, he is interested.” I give her a wink. “Just know if he hurts you, I will kill him.”
“Would he hurt me?” She sounds concerned.
“I am talking emotionally, sweetheart. He would never physically hurt you. Plus I highly doubt that he would hurt you emotionally either, but he is a guy. Sometimes they do and say stupid shit.”
Hunter and Christian come back out of the woods. Christian grabs his shirt on the way back, that he had dropped on the ground. Hunter grabs me up and kisses me. “I still hate that guy.” He mumbles against my lips.
“I know, but know that he doesn’t want me anymore.”
“Still don’t like his cocky ass. When do I get you alone again?”
“Not anytime soon.”
Hunter groans, but lets me go, only to pull to my side with Eli on it. “Hey, little man. Want me to carry you?” Eli nods. So Hunter picks him back up and puts his other arm around me.
Christian comes up to Zoe, “Did you like my wolf?” He slips his shirt back over his head, clearly making a show of his abs for Zoe.
“It’s big. I didn’t know you guys were that big.” She doesn’t sound scared or nervous anymore. But she is a little distracted by the abs that are being flashed at her. Her gaze doesn’t leave there.
“Yeah, some of us are.” He is gloating.
I roll my eyes. “Christian’s wolf is as big as mine. Alpha’s are the biggest wolves. Sometimes lower ranking wolves can be bigger, but mostly it is just the Alphas. Hunter’s wolf is actually big compared to most Betas.”
Zoe nods her head. “So it’s a rank thing.”
I nod with her. “Yeah, Alphas are stronger. That is why their wolves are bigger. The lower the rank the less strength that they have. Not to say that an Omega isn’t strong. I have heard of some Omegas that have taken down Alphas. It all depends on the strength behind it.”
I am so glad that Zoe is not freaking out. She is taking all of this like she is on a tour at Disney. Then she is just accepting all of it. “So, what else do you have to show me?”
“There are the training grounds. Would you like to see that?” I point out.
She gets a big smile on her face. “Will I see a bunch of burly guys throwing each other around?” Christian lets out a small growl, we all look at him, he mutters a quick sorry.
I laugh. “Yeah, you will. If you are really nice, maybe Jay will jump in a match for you. He has built up quite the skill.”
Zoe raises an eyebrow. “That I would like to see.” Again Christian lets out a growl. I don’t think he is fooling anyone at this point.
We all make our way to the mats. There are quite a few wolves training today. The training has doubled for everyone, the rogues make it impossible not to. Anthony is making rounds watching every one. When he sees us approach he comes up to our little group. “What do I owe the honor of this visit, princess?” He nods to me.
“We are showing around our friend Zoe here. Showing her the work that you do to keep our wolves well trained.”
He nods. “We have been missing you on the mats, Princess. When are you going to stop doing that paperwork and show these wolves how it’s done?” He smiles down at me.
“Oh, at least five more months. This baby can’t be getting punched around.” I put my hand on my belly to make my point.
He looks shocked. “Wow, I didn’t know. Well, shit that does put a damper on the training. Can’t have our future Alpha damaged any, now can we princess?”
Zoe puts up a finger. “Question, why do you keep calling her princess?”
“Because she is the Alpha’s only daughter. Her mom called her that so we all do, well most of us, as an honor to her memory.”
Zoe gets a soft face. “That is so sweet. You guys must have really loved her.”
“Lila was a great Luna. She is greatly missed. We are happy that Jasmine is taking over in her footsteps, plus more. She was trained to take over for her father so she is Luna and Alpha. Hunter here is just helping.” He smirks at Hunter.
He shrugs, “Not my fault I was trained to be Beta, how was I supposed to know that I would be mated to the best girl in the pack.” He kisses my cheek.
Just then I got a link. “Rogues, at the southeast wall.” Why I am getting this and not my father is beyond me.
I link the rest of the pack “Rogues, southeast wall now.” Hunter, Jay and I look at Zoe. She looks at me like something is wrong.
“What?”
Hunter takes charge, he passes Eli to me. “Jay, get them back to the packhouse. Meet me there when you get them safely inside. Christian, come with me.” Christian looks just as puzzled.
“Rogues again?” He questions.
Hunter nods. “And if you want to protect your pup and mate, then follow me.” He kisses my cheek again before turning and shifting. Christian is right behind him.
Zoe looks a little panicked. “What are rogues?”
Jay lifts us both up, with me holding Eli and runs to the pack house. It is not the most comfortable thing. I kept thinking that he was going to drop us. Jeez he got strong. Once he sets us on the porch he turns and runs towards the problem. I push Zoe inside with Eli still clinging to me. “Vampire fast.” Eli says.
I chuckle, “Yes he is.”
Zoe looks at me panicked, “What the hell just happened?”
I decide it is best to be as honest as possible. “The reason why we decided to tell you what I am. There are some wolves out there that don’t like to play by our rules. That means that they think we should have control over humans. To win more wolves over to their way of thinking they have been destroying various packs. Our pack is next on the list. What just happened was a breach on the perimeter. I don’t like it. They keep growing in numbers every time. The council says that eventually they are going to offer us an ultimatum, either move or face the consequences.”
The panic doesn’t leave her face. “So, they are going to fight?”
“Yeah, usually I would be out there too, but with the baby I can’t.”
“Have you been losing wolves?” This is my best friend. Worried about people that she doesn’t even know.
“None yet. I really don’t want to lose any. With Jay on our side we have a huge advantage, but we need to fight back on another front if we want this to stop.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I need the humans to know about us and not flip out. I need them to welcome the pack. That is where I need your help. I need you and everyone we know to know what I am. Then I have to address the city officials with you guys by my side. If we can show that the pack has the support of the humans in the area then the rogues will back off. We can only do that if you guys all see us that way.” I look at her with pleading eyes.
“So, this really is a big deal. I don’t know about the city officials, but I know your friends are going to have your back. I don’t know about Nick, he’s too new to tell.”
“Oh, I got him already.” I wave her off.
She looks hurt. “You told him before you told me?”
I groan. “Not on purpose, believe me. He showed up at the gate yesterday. I didn’t want him here. It caused a shit ton of problems, but he took it really well.”
“Why isn’t he here then? Shouldn’t he have been part of the welcoming committee?” She has her hand on her hip, with the attitude of ‘like hell he is ok with it.’
“He got hurt. A rogue attacked when he was at the gate. He is healing. We are kind of hiding him away until the wounds heal. We didn’t think it would look good if we are trying to say that we are safe and he has wounds caused by claws.”
“You’re right it wouldn’t look good. So what do we do now?” I take her hand.
“Right now we need to go to my room, because guaranteed a whole bunch of people are going to come through that door naked shortly and I do not think you want to see that.” I smile at her.
She gets a shocked look on her face. “I think not. Ok, maybe that Christian guy. Hell, maybe even Jay.”
“Jay won’t be naked. He keeps his clothes on. He doesn’t shift.”
She pointed a finger up. “Right. I have to remember that. Not a wolf. Vampire. You know it is a good thing that you are doing this now, I mean if it was like fifteen years ago I don’t think you would get anyone on your side. The fact that there is a lot of pro werewolf and even vampire media out there, it’s going to play in your favor.”
“I really hope so. I don’t want to have to move. Especially have to move away from my best friend.” I whine. Not really a full whine, but a joking one. Even though it isn’t a joking matter. I do not want my pack to break apart. I have done a lot of research on it, and most likely if this doesn’t work we are on our way to Canada. There is still a lot of land up there that we can go and not be noticed. That is the only way to keep the pack together.
“Oh, it will be fine.” Zoe waves it off. I am not sure she totally believes it either.