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     Chapter 12

            With two War wolves, four scared out of their mind wolves, a worried wife, a witch on his way and a son and his mate fighting more every day. This trip better be worth very stressful minute of it. Every hour the War wolves were calling to tell him of all the activity. As of now, he received a phone call to let him know that Zero and Langdon were screaming at each other causing a bit of fright out of the pack.

            He wondered if this would happen. Zero being the next Alpha can't fathom the idea of not having a mate who will be submissive. Or understand that his mate sees no dominance or submissive wolves. Langdon being the Empathy can't fathom the idea of having a dominate mate like Zero. Or understand why it's important for a pack to have submissive wolves. All in all, the Alpha hopes that they'll work it out. He didn't have time nor patience to deal with it.

            Roads began looking like the ones they just turned off of. Trees were multiplying and vanishing. Rest stops allowed the legs to be stretched a bit, food to fill stomachs. Mainly all the time was spent in the truck barreling down the road.

            One last main turn took the road trip to the final leg of the journey. Signs were placed around the property that they had entered private property. Trees lined the small two lane dirt road. Rocks had been placed above, for look outs. Branching off the main road were smaller lanes. Judas said that the pack house was at the end of the main road.

Howls lit up around them. Nathanial was wondering when they would signal that there was outsiders on the land. The War wolves rolled down the windows, allowing their presence to be known with their scents. JD threw his body close to one of the War wolves and stuck his head out the window.

            Yelling, "Bub!" A gray wolf came into view up on one of the rocks. The gray wolf growled before he howled. "Calvin, its Jason!"

            The dark headed wolf chuckled, "I see, now sit back. We're almost home."             Pouting only got a few chuckles. His mate knew that he missed his brother. Family was one of the most up importance to the pack. Pack brothers and sisters were the ones who had your back.

            Wolves ran beside the truck as they approached the pack house. People stood waiting to see what the urgency was. Alpha Blackwood parked the truck, nodded to the War wolves. They slipped out before him, then as he stepped out they drew flank.

            JD jumped out, followed by his mate and their companies. "Alpha!"

            The wolves looked relieved at the sight of their alive pack members. Some rushed to give hugs, other looked wary of the War wolves. The Alpha and his Beta stood up on the all wooden porch. An older gentleman walked up beside them along with a thin man. Just by the feel of the man he was the ancient Empathy. The only other surviving Empathy in the world. An old retired War wolf wrapped an arm around the Empathy wolf.

            Nathanial approached with pride, "I'm Alpha Nathanial Blackwood, and these are my War wolves Ivan and Main."

            "Alpha, I'm Alpha McKnife, this is my Beta Ronnie and my father Dean."

            "Pleasure," nodding his head towards the pack. "Thought your wolves could use a hand. Savage has given my pack trouble lately. We heard about the message they were carrying."

            "I'm in debt, how shall I pay?"

            "Information, maybe a nights rest. We've traveled non-stop."

            "Welcome, here allow me to show you in."

The Alpha's shook hands before heading inside. The pack gathered around the room they walked into. It was a large room with many chairs or couches around. Nathanial noticed that this pack a sense of the wilderness about them. They were one with natural more than the other packs he's dealt with. Drinks were brought in for the returning pack members and the guest. Thanking them Nathanial accepted with a smile.

"How about is Savage acting up?"

"Enough to irritate me to no extent. He's placed a pup in the school were my youth goes. My son is keeping him in check."

"You're allowing this?"

"For now, I need information." Nathanial glanced at the small children. He already missed home.

A woman came in staying dinner was done. Alpha McKnife led the guest into the rather large dining room. Where they were placed at the head table beside him. Nathanial and his War wolves were introduced to the pack who opened their arms with smiles. The former Alpha kept his eye on them, like he knew the reason why they were there. Shortly after dinner, they were shown to a room that the women so kindly set up for them. After a nights rest, they would get all their questions answered.

"I don't like him," Main growled. "There's something off about that Alpha."

"You think?" Nathanial was trying to figure out what it was that he was sensing. There was something there. Or it could be the way they lived their lives. Not many packs live completely out in the woods anymore. Some wolves enjoy the interaction of the human world more often than shutting it out.

"That old Alpha, the former. He knows something. I can taste it. There's almost hope in this eyes that we're here." Ivan offered his opinion.

"Humph," Nathanial grunted. "We'll see. Just keep your eyes open."

They sat around waiting on the time to speaking with the Alpha. At the moment in was dealing with pack business. Had to respect that, just because there was guest. Didn't mean life was placed on hold. The War wolves kept their eyes and ears all over the place. Each had noticed that this pack held none. If they did, they were not present at this time. Until the old War wolf said they were on guard, watching from the sidelines.

Ivan finally caught sight of one of the War wolves as he ran by the window. Apparently the Alpha had called his War wolves to inform them that they were around. Made sense, Alpha Blackwood had his at his side. However, the War wolves that entered the pack wasn't all that impressive. Ivan was clearly more wolf than these little ones. Main nudged him, remaining them that they were here as guest and to allow the Alpha to gather information. Ivan gave a smirk. His point was known. The expression on the War wolf's face told him that.

"Alright, what information can I pass along?" Alpha McKnife sat beside his father and Beta.

"Well I have two wolves that has become a part of my pack years ago. We've been searching for their packs or someone who knows about them. Then I have a young Empathy wolf who also has no idea where he comes from. My-"

"Excuse me," the Empathy spoke up. "My apologies for interrupting. Did you say a young Empathy?"

"I did."

Glances were exchanged between the former Alpha and the Empathy wolf. This did not go unnoticed by Nathanial or the War wolves.

"Does he know the state he was born in?"

"Yes."

"Was it Florida?" Former Alpha McKnife asked.

"It would be, do you know of him?"

The former Alpha's hand shook as he wiped his face. Almost a relief fell in the older man's eyes. Having the Empathy stand up and snatch a picture from the wall. Passing it over to him, the man shook his head.

"Alpha, do you know what's it's like to have someone dating a younger woman?"

"Only by eleven years."

Former Alpha McKnife nodded, "That's almost normal." Nathanial agreed with a nod.

"My Beta Ramsey. The toughest wolf you could come across. The man would look you dead in the eyes with no fear. Battled like a War wolf, commanded like an Alpha.

"One day we were on patrol. We came across this young woman sitting on a rock. Holding her ankle and doing clean cussing, she called it. Right away she apologized to us. Then we realized she was a witch.

"My Beta sniffed the air, went towards the woman. She leaned in and smiled. Said, 'Hello, I'm Sandra your local witch'." He smiled at the memory.

"Finally the man found his mate. He had twenty years on the woman. Sandra was a young twenty-one year old witch. He carried her back, took her to his room to allow her to rest. A month later she was expecting their first pup."

His smile failed, the hard years of being on Alpha shown in his eyes. The light went out, "Sandra was pregnant again right after she had their second. We teased him about spreading his seed so quickly. Until Will, said that he sensed this child was different. Her face was fill of light, she gave a pat to her stomach and said, 'I know, he too is a magical wolf. An Empathy just like you'."

Will, the Empathy stretched over and laid a hand on the former Alpha's shoulder. Nathanial and his War wolves seen who the Empathy was more loyal to. An old friend.

"Ramsey could not have been more proud. Two War wolf sons and an Empathy." He laughed at the memory, then a lonely tear fell.

"We were attacked. Savage had enlisted twenty or more rogues plus the help of a few smaller packs. Then he was young, I thought we could settle this. I was wrong, Savage is a man of power. Don't ever under estimate him. At this time, he had taken our pups. Ramsey's oldest was among them. We had several pregnant females at that time."

A woman's cry's filled the room. Will left the old friend to comfort her. He picked her up placed her in his lap. "Hush, allow those memories to be gone." Easily he placed her to sleep.

"Some pups never came home whole. Savage enjoys leaving a gift. A head or the blood." Will kept his eyes on the woman as he spoke of this memory. The War wolves growled in disgust.

"Sandra fled with the second oldest son and a pack nurse. I watched my greatest friend torn between protecting his mate, gathering his son and serving the pack. The oldest son was five at the time.

"I watched him rip his own skin to get to the pups. He was stained with blood, his own and others. Ramsey's body was the only thing that was left of him. His oldest son was hidden under the mound of dead trees along with the remaining pups.

"I got word from the pack nurse that Sandra had bled out. She could not be saved, for giving her son her last breath.

"Somehow Savage had found out about the pup, wanted him dead. It was my call to leave him on the door step of a young woman who the pack nurse said smelled like dead earth. I ordered her home with the other boy.

"All these years I've wondered about him. If he's made it. What he looks like."

"We both have." Will spoke up.

"How is he? You said he is a member of your pack."

"I did," Nathanial swallowed roughly, "Langdon is his name." Getting into his back pocket, he pulled out a picture of the boys. "He's the shorter one. The other boy is my son. They're mates."

"As to be expected," the old Alpha stared at the picture. Emotion filled up his eyes as he looked on a dear old friend's son. His dear old friend’s son was alive and well.

Will quickly passed off the woman to another wolf to see who Ramsey's son was. "Wow, he looks a lot like Dalson. A mixture between Sandra and Ramsey!" He laughed, "He would be so proud to hear his son ended up with a future Alpha."

"That he does," former Alpha McKnife was choked with emotion. "Did his," he paused, "mother understand her given son?" The word mother hurt him to say.

"Bailey, she has treasured him deeply. Stands up to my son if she thinks he's stepped out of line."

Small chuckles made way.

"May I ask, how is he? Does he understand his life?" Will asked.

"Knows little, I spoken to a witch that has said one is coming to help aid Langdon."

The Empathy nodded, "I shall send books with you that has helped me when I was younger. He must learn to control his emotions and fears."

"Thank you, if Langdon was here he would thank you as well."

Moving the conversation along, Nathanial wanted to get home to his own pack. The War wolves picked up on his agony of being away. Shifting in their seats, they drew around him. Nathanial nodded, this did help him.

Pulling out another picture, he passed it over to the Alpha. "June is the one with blonde hair. I was told her and Langdon comes from the same pack."

"I wondered if she was alive. The girl in the picture is her mate May. They were granted to come here. May is from Savage's pack. Their parents feared for their lives." Inhaling a deep breath, he told another wolf to go get Jace. A younger female wolf quickly left the room.

"June has a brother, younger by a year. After we figured something had happened. The pack made sure he knew we were here for him. The Capes were something different. June was playful, Jace well one would call him odd or weird. We like to think they're full of spirit."

Nathanial laughed, "June is one of a kind. However I have some grave news." His smile fell into a frown. At that moment a younger man came in. His hair was baby fine blonde. His teal colored eyes caught the light. Nathanial knew right away that the boy was submissive.

"Alpha," his smile was just as bright as June's.

"Come, I have news from the Blackwood pack."

Curiously he walked over and kneeled on the floor in front of the Alpha. He leaned over with the picture and pointed. "Do you know who that is?"

The younger man took a hold of the picture. Bit his bottom lip and shook. "My sister!" Tears rushed down his face. "My sister!" The Alpha picked him up, placed him on his lap.

            "Hush, Alpha Blackwood has been taking care of her. She has found a home with his pack. June is with her mate."

            The War wolves noticed something off about the situation. The way the Alpha was holding the pup wasn't right. He looked stiff, uncaring almost. Plus the Empathy frowned at the situation. Like he wasn't liking the Alpha holding Jace.

            "May," Jace nodded.

            The tears quite down as the Alpha rubbed his back. A finger traced the picture, as he laid curled up like a child on his lap.

            "Is she coming home?"

            "I believe not. She has found a home with his pack."

            Nathanial spoke up, "If your Alpha would allow it, you can come and visit her."

            Jace turned his head, "I can?"

            "Of course." Nathanial couldn't look into the boy's eyes for too long. It reminded him of when June was hurt. Making him miss home that much more.

            Fresh tears lined his pretty face, "Alpha Blackwood said I could visit her."

            "We shall talk about a visit," he smiled.

            Hugging the Alpha, Jace got up and walked in front of Nathanial. Nathanial couldn't help but to smile. Arms wrapped around him within seconds. At that moment he laughed, a June hug was always welcomed. However he had to correct himself. Apparently it was a Cape sibling hug was welcomed.

            Curling up to the Empathy and his mate. He showed off the picture of his sister.

            "Your wolf learns quickly that they are different." Alpha McKnife looked over at his pup.

            Unfortunately Nathanial felt he should tell them what has happened to June and May. Savage had been cruel more times than being nice. He did not leave out that Langdon was the one who sacrifice himself in order to save May and June. Disgust rang over the air, Will could not believe that one so precious was tainted by a harmful hand. Jace was in full blown tears again. There for a moment the air was tight with emotions. Once Will realized that he lost control, he gathered Jace up and cradled him to his chest. Rocking him back and forth he apologized for losing his temper. To calm himself down more, he placed the young beauty to sleep.

            "Don't let this sweet innocent act fool you. He's an all out spit fire." Amused, Will stroked his hair. His mate had his arm at the back of the couch as he patted Jace's leg. Which caught the War wolves’ attention.

            "Is Langdon's brothers here?" Nathanial asked. After spending the day talking, swapping stories. Gathering as much information has one could. Nathanial tried to remember anything that the younger pack would ask.

            "No, Ramsey's boys Jalin and Dalson left here years ago. In search of their brother. Hopefully they are well and shall come across you." The former Alpha frowned. Young wolves leaving to go on their own had always placed an ill spot in him. Even though he understood why they left.

            In the morning the Blackwood pack would be leaving with a young brother and an alliance with the ancient pack. The Empathy gave Nathanial a small bag filled with a few books he has written. In hopes it shall help the young empathic wolf.

            The sun hadn't rose when the pack told their new found friends to be careful. Jace hugged all he could before snatching up a large bag, a box and a plastic tote full of food. A full werewolf is a happy werewolf. The War wolves shook their heads before tossing his things in the truck.

            The ride was a quiet one. A new tag along had promised to keep out of the way, not to cause trouble. So far he had been listening to music and read a book. One of the War wolves’ stomachs had growled. Jace closed his book and brought up the tote.

            "Would you like a sandwich?"

            Inside was meat, bread, cookies, chips, sliced veggies and more. Nathanial laughed at the sight of all the food. Vera would be proud at the young wolf. Pulling off the highway to the rest station, he made them each a plate of food. Apparently June's cooking nature was something that ran in the family.

           

            Vera waited at the steps with the mates of his wolves. Stepping out Vera rushed to his side as the War wolves mates did the mimicked her actions. For a brief moment Jace was forgotten about until they heard him squeak.

            "June!"

            The Alpha laughed as his children came to greet him. One could not be welcomed home any better. Eyeing Langdon then Zero, Zero nodded that they were good. Whatever happened had passed. He noticed that Langdon went directly into Zero's side. There was no hesitation within Langdon.

            Moving everyone inside, he called June. Everyone watched as the young man chocked up as June approached. It didn't go unnoticed how similar they were in looks.

            "June I have someone I want you to meet. This is Jace, your little brother."

June's eyes widened at the man in front of her. He grabbed out a picture, remembering what he was told about his big sister.

            "Look, this is me and that's you." Showing her the picture of them when they were younger.

            Studying the picture, June glanced at the boy again. Something in her wolf shifted, they felt like they did know him. "I like his picture, I'm taller than you."

            Jace giggled, "I always said I was going to grow up and be bigger than you."         Looking over June's head, "Hi May!"

            "Hello," May's voice was sweet, her eyes narrowed. "I think I remember you."

            "I hope so," Jace smiled. "I have a picture with the three of us together and one of us and our parents." Shifting the picture revealed a couple of more. "This is May's parents and this is mom and dad."

            A moment went by with the girls staring at the photos. June and May threw their arms around Jace. Smiles went around the room. Sibling had been united. May and June introduced him to the pack that was standing there. When they got to Langdon, Jace smiled.

            "You do look like Dalson." Jace stuck out his hand to shake Langdon's, "Will had asked me to help you in what I could. Over the years he has taught me some things about wolves and our nature."

            "Who's Dalson and Will?"

            "You brother and Will is like you, but old." Jace laughed.

            "We happened to travel to the pack you are originally from." Nathanial smiled over at him, "I heard the story about how you come to be placed with Bailey. After dinner I will tell you. Even have a gifted from the former Alpha and the old Empathy."

            "I have a picture of your parents and brothers. It's in my pack album." Jace added.

They quickly realized that Jace had an outgoing personality. He and June were a lot alike in many ways. Only June's wolf was broken, as she was. Amber had made a teasing comment about June was actually loopy. June laughed at the comment.

            "We are not loopy, strange, weird or crazy. We're inventive." Jace smiled over at Amber.

            Langdon sat in silence after the Alpha had explained how his parents passed away. Pride filled him to know his father fought to protect those he loved to the very end. His father was proud of him for he was his son. Sorrow came for the man he will never know. Jace gave him the pictures of his brothers and parents. Pointed out who was who. Even Zero agreed that he looked like his older brother Dalson.

            All of a sudden May screamed out, "Fangs!" A low growl came from Jace as his eyes narrowed on May. "I remember you now! When you get mad your fangs grow!" She excitedly clapped her hands.

            "Out of all the memories you choice Fangs, to remember." Jace growled at her.

            "But I'm right," May sung back.

            Returning her smile, Jace showed off his fangs.

            June was enjoying the atmosphere. In her mind she didn't remember who this boy was. Her little brother. By the feel of him, he remembered. She felt she loved his man very much but differently from May. Like Zero loves Amber. She just wished she could remember Jace.

            "Why do you sit so close to the War wolves?" June asked.

            Jace's shoulders dropped, "When we were little I attacked the pack children. My wolf was going rogue because I shifted so young. David, had chased me down. I injured a few of the pups. Will said he would help me. I guess I feel more comfortable with the War wolves."

            Alpha narrowed his eyes. He did have a wild scent about him. He thought it was because of how the ancient pack lived their lives. Darren asked what they all were wondering. How old was he when he shifted?

            "Four," Jace messed with his hair. "On my fourth birthday."

            "Oh my, that is way too young." Willow was in stock.

            "While you are here, I don't think they'll mind you sitting close to them." Nathanial tried to ensure him, "We should have been told though."

            "I apologize Alpha, I thought you have been."

            "Why is that a problem?" Langdon asked.

            "His wolf is wild. Has already attack innocent blood. If a wolf shifts before the proper time, it can cause a blood lust. He can go rogue before anyone could stop him. Not all rogues are filled with a blood lust, but it's easy for them to go into blood lust. Those whose wolf is more in charge. Like with ours we can block them. Keep them from taking over. Jace has harder time. An Alpha or War wolf can control him before anyone else can." Zero explained.

            "I'm so sorry." Langdon's eyes filled with emotions. Like he was trying to understand what was going on.

            "The War wolves let me run with them. David trained them not to kill me. To let me run." Jace was proud of his fact.

            "I understand the relationship between you and the old wolf now." Main spoke up,           "He allowed you to sit on him and his mate."

            "They are like my adopted daddy's. Even when I was younger, I wasn't allowed to live with mom and dad. Everyone was afraid I would hurt June or our parents. Will set me up a room with them. After the Alpha said that they were never coming back, he and David raised me."

            "Jace," Nathanial placed the Alpha power behind his words, "Have you taken an innocents life?"

            "No Alpha," he sat up more. "I have not killed anyone except animals. The War wolves taught me how to hunt." Pride was upon him.

            Submissive wolves usually didn't hunt. They ran with the hunting party, then bowed back a bit. To have a submissive to hunt and kill was unheard of. Although some was able to see it. He had the body of a runner or a swimmer. He would be good at pushing the deer.

            "How did they teach you to hunt? I am the only one who can speak with my War wolves."

            "I don't know how or why but I can hear the War wolves."

            "Interesting," Nathanial had that look in his eye. He wanted to test that theory.

           

           

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