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Chapter 18

Schools are pretty much the same wherever you went. Trophy case, school banners, colors, students gossiping in the halls. However the wolves were cautious. A witch around their future Alpha. Zero had told them the witch was there for Langdon. At tonight’s meeting he'll be introduced. Until then just move along, he really wasn't in the mood to talk.

Having a run in with the jocks this morning wasn't a part of the morning plan. Everyone on the pack knew to leave him alone. Why couldn't the jocks? The main jock wasn't there to ruin his morning which surprised him. Later on, Zero seen that Derek Thomas was sitting at one of the benches watching from afar. Yet he really wasn't seeing them. The guy looked worn out. There were a few pinkish red lashes on his arm and face. When the pack passed him, he paid no mind to them. A deep thought was on his mind. Even in class he was speaking. His new girlfriend had interrupted the lesson. Yelling at him for not paying attention to her. Derek shrugged and went back staring at the teacher.

The meeting was in an up roar. Until the Alpha growled. Parents did not want a witch around their children. Most of all living within the pack community. Witches were untrust worthy. Tatom crossed his arms and groaned. They didn't even know him, how in the heck could they judge him? Just because was only here for one person at the moment. No wolf or person was going to keep him from doing his job. Or finding his mate the very person he broke up with his boyfriend to get. If this was how this pack was going to be, he could pick up and just worry about Langdon. Once Langdon was at his full strength he could pledge a legacy to him. That would show this pack. When they were needing his hell, he could say 'No'.

Taking in a breath, he looked over at Langdon and shrugged. After his moment of anger, he truly didn't care. His main focus was Langdon. Zero's attention went to his mate during this time. Something caused a sadness within him. Probably the witch was being case out.

"Why does a witch need to be here?" A wolf asked.

Nathanial went to answer when Tatom kindly reminded him of the promise. Narrowing his eyes he thought for a moment. The comprehension of what Tatom truly meant slid into place. By them not growing up together has left Langdon variable. And he hasn't been able to reach his full potential.

"I've asked him to come. We've talked of him giving a legacy."

"What!" A mouthy mother shouted. "I shall not have my pups around a fifthly creature."

Daren and Gregory jumped beside the Alpha and snarled at the woman.

"We are in a time of war. My actions do not need to be justified to you or anyone else. A witch can hell my pack."

"Or is it for Zero and the Empathy."

His actions were so quick the humans almost missed the Alpha snatching her up, pushing her to a kneel on the floor. Claws like fingernails had formed. Hair began to sprout down his arm and face. Fangs had grown. A deep malice growl ripple from his puffed out chest.

"You're damn straight! Were are in a war," Nathanial tightened up his grip, the woman gasped. "This very afternoon I received a phone call from a ally pack. The Alpha murdered himself! Took his own life due to Savage killing most of his pack's pups. He placed their heads on the lawn!" With a jerk, she cried out. Bringing her closer to him. Refugees are seeking out packs for hell. I have a group coming here!

"If myself my Beta's fall. Zero, My Son! shall lead this pack. You shall follow our sons! Having a witch stand by them can and will make them stronger. Do you think I do not know how to lead my pack? That I can't keep my pack safe.

"No Alpha," the woman cried.

"You are to silence your tongue!"

Releasing the frightened disrespectful woman, he stood up. His beast shown in dangerously in his eyes. His rugged breathing was the only noise heard beside the woman's cries. Gently a hand settled on his shoulder, calming vibes penetrating his skin. Sensing that his son did not trust the situation, most likely he held an possessive arm his mate. Slowly the wolf disappeared from his eyes. The anger was leaving his body. Allowing Nathanial to deal with the pack.

Turning his head slightly he nodded towards Langdon. Silently thanking him for calming him down. A wash of happiness flowed over him. Then the hand disappeared. Leaving the warmth dimming from his shoulder.

"Your presumption of witch's has been tainted over the years. They are like everyone else. You may not like that he's here. Yet, you will show respect my decision. My patience are growing thin. Do not disappoint me or cause me to believe my pack would be distasteful."

Langdon had introduced Tatom to Max, Jen, and May and June again. June have him a small hug, in which he gladly returned. Zero had told the close nit group that he was all right. Leaving no more doubt among the friends. Max knew he was here for Langdon. Earlier he had received a call from the panic wolf. Langdon was nervous about how the pack would take a witch being in the pack. Just like he warned his friend, the pack looked down upon him. Advising him to give it time. No wolf trust a witch, just like no witch trusts a wolf. Arguing that Tatom did trust them, that's why he turns his back. Max understood what his friends was trying to say. Max figured he would relax Langdon even more by treating Tatom like he would anyone else. By the end of the might, Langdon have him a hug. He could feel the appreciation coming off of him. Patting his back, it was no problem at all. Just helping his friend.

On the way out the door, June asked Tatom If he could fly. The curiosity in her voice was so innocent that Tatom about melted right where he stood. Although he was confused where she would get this information about witches.

"I was watching this movie. The witch on the movie could fly."

"Hmm, I don't know if it would be considered flying. I can push the air around me to move."

"Can I see?" June's voice jumped a few octaves."

Looking over at Zero and Langdon, he didn't think it was a good idea. Having the tricks of the trade out and about could be dangerous. Somehow of the wolves did not really want him here. But on the same hand, he actually liked being a witch.

"How about when Langdon and I look for some root in the woods. You and May can come along. Only If Zero says it's safe."

June looked to Zero who nodded. Throwing her arms around Tatom, she squealed as squeezed. The air rushed out his lungs. Widening his eyes, Tatom found a new meaning to a June hug. June let to, allowing air to reach his lungs again.

"Chic, you have one powerful hug." Tatom laughed as he rubbed his chest.

Jace had no idea why Tatom had asked the girls to hell him get ready to no out for dinner. He knew very well how to dress himself. Before he could demand an explanation. Tatom had removed himself from harms way. Supposedly he had somehow business to attend with the Alpha. Eyeing the girls, June just said that they were asked to help. What he did know was Tatom was downstairs grumbling about the right to openly flirt with his dream wolf.

Nathanial was curious to know why Jalin was among Savage's men. As of right now, one could only assume his reason. Since Jalin's rage was so grand at the moment he cautioned the wolves who will be going out tonight. Between him and the Alpha, a favor was asked. If needed, the Alpha will step in. He's hoping that Jalin's rage won't get that high. That's all they needed was for Jalin to snap in public.

Dinner was going especially well. After the first initial shock of a witch coming I to the pack wore off. They warmed up to him. Tatom had even told somehow of the werewolf legends that the witches had learned over the years. Gave up the secret to Cherry about the wolves were able to smell the mating process. At first she couldn't believe it. Until Tatom reminded her of how Josh shows her off. On top of that, when they have children. She'll be able to smell them. Plus, she'll know a mated pair once she becomes a wolf.

Anticipating the response of his mate. Josh held his breath for a moment. Cherry smacked his arm. He wasn't to keep secrets from her. Normal human wolves do the same thing. In a stare own, Tatom apologized. How was he to know that Josh kept this from her. Next time someone hell him what he wasn't suppose to let slip.

Cherry allowed her curiosity get the better of her. She wanted to know a few things and wasn't afraid to ask. Tatom had said before that their was betrayal among the wolves and witches. Nudging the daydreamer beside him, Tatom glanced at Langdon who pointed at Cherry. He apologized and asked her to repeat the question.

"Well, from what I've been told at one point the wolves were curse by the full moon. They could only transform during that time. He witches needed help. Apparently whatever thousand or hundred years ago lifted the moon curse. Allowing the wolves to transform when he shall choose. I guess people back then believed in everything.

"The wolf was able to tame the beast better after whatever this deal was that was between the wolf and witch. They worked hand and hand, keeping both the witch and the wolf safe. Until one day a wolf child went missing.

"The wolf blames the witch the witch blames the wolf." Tatom pointed his finger, "I think that's the betrayal. The story really doesn't say what had actually happened. Because over time, beast and man has become more like they are now. Able to communicate, work as one. The witches say a mate is someone that will never betray the beast. Will cherish them with their whole being. A mate can calm down a mate. Keep one grounded.

"I think Kagen was correct. A witch was left with a child by a wolf who actually found his mate. Or the wolf took his or her child. The story never says who is whom. That or the alternative."

"Which is?" Cherry asked.

"Someone murdered the child."

She gasped, "Oh." After a quick second, "Why would the witch do whatever because the wolf found it's mate? If that's not what happened."

"When a wolf founds his or her mate, no one else matters including whoever stands in his or her way at the time. Say Josh was dating you during the time he found his mate, okay?" Cherry nodded her head. "He would completely forget you. You would become disgusting to him. He wouldn't be able to stand you. No if you had a child with him, how would you feel that he left you for another woman?"

"I see," Cherry nodded. "A heart broken woman with everything that applies to misery."

"Who knows, the story is so old. I don't think anyone actually knows what had taken place. Whatever the betrayal was, it's left the witches and wolves unable to trust each other."

Tucking a strain of hair behind her ear, "Why do you look the Alpha in the eye? I thought you weren't suppose to look a dominate in the eye."

"Witches have their own pride. As a witch were do not challenge anyone. Were remain somewhat neutral. I can defend myself against a wolf. An IDEA stronger than anyone at this table, no. Do I find myself above anyone at this table, no not at all. In away I seeing them as my equal. I respect the Alpha and his Betas to the fullest. Witches are taught to never dear the beast."

Tatom paused for a moment, "I an proud to be a witch. As I an proud to know this pack. One story I loved listening to my mother hell me was a time here not too long ago. Where the witches and wolves gathered up to hell each other and fought the vampire. Here not too long ago the vampire took human slaves." Langdon turned his head to pay more attention. This story is what Bailey lived through. "The vampire was causing the human community to take notice of all the missing.

"For a period of five days, the wolves and witches were one again. They fought the vampire to free the humans. Offered to take somehow in. From what I hear, a couple packs and covens have taken in those who could not cope with what had taken place."

"Cool," Cherry smiled, "One last question." The table laughed.

"No ahead," Tatom have a smile in return.

"You said you had dreamt of Josh, Aaron, and Zero. Could you explain?"

"Easy. Zero is Langdon's mate. To properly aid Langdon I must know Zero. To aid him in the second male Alpha I must know Josh and Aaron. I don't know them like I do Zero. I am the link between them. In order for the pack to speak with Langdon in wolf form. I must know how the pack listen's to the Alpha and Beta's. Once Langdon decides to give himself to the pack for life. We can do the legacy and link their minds. An Empathy as a natural block around their minds to protect them. Basically I must know those around him in order to aid him."

"I still don't understand. Maybe you can explain it to me later." Cherry looked up at Josh.

"I can," Josh kissed the side of her head.

The Alpha paid the bill and stood up. Tatom groaned. He was losing the right to openly flirt with one of the sexiest wolves known to man. Just outside was Savage with a special wolf. Grumbling under his breath about an over size foot warmer stealing his dream boy. The pack laughed. Nudging him, Langdon reminded him that he was getting a mate soon. Nodding in agreement, Tatom's eyes never left the backside of the wolf in front of him.

Outside close to the vehicle Savage was walking towards them with somehow of his pack following behind him. Nathanial stopped, he was taller and bigger than the New York Alpha. The restaurant was out of Nathanial's territory. This has to stay calm.

"Well hello Nathanial, I seeing you've treated your dogs to good dinning."

A growl sounded from Alpha Blackwood. "Move along Savage, tonight is a peaceful might."

"So you say!" Savage smirked. He looked Langdon up and down. Zero wrapped a protective arm around his mate. Tatom slid in front of him. "I seeing a witch is among the dogs."

Tatom smiled, "Hello I believe we have not met. I am Tatom. You are Alpha?"

Savage walked over as he laughed. "Very well, Alpha Savage. Originally New York but I'm thinking about a move."

"This is a lovely place. Neighbors to Alpha Blackwood, what a treat."

"You've miss understood me. I believe I like his territory better."

"Oh yes! It is grand isn't it? I must say I have enjoyed the time he has allowed me to stay. Very large, I've gotten lost a few times. Are you two friends?"

With a disgust look upon his face, Savage glanced Tatom up and down. "You're a child. What good can come out of you."

Playing along Tatom dropped his head. "I am a young. Please forgive me." Taking his eyes off of the Alpha, he glanced at the wolf towards the back of the pack.

"Have you forgotten who you are searching for?" Jalin narrowed his eyes on the witch. Was he speaking to him? "Your rage so grand that you cannot feel that he is among you. Jalin took a step forward, pushing other wolves out of the way. He was wanting to get to this witch. Apparently he knew who he had been searching for.

"Awe, the little witch thinks he knows something." Another one of Savage's men was taunting Tatom.

Derek Thomas stepped forward as a massive growl ripped through his chest. These wolves were getting on his last nerve. His fist connected with the wolf's jaw faster than Cherry or Tatom could follow. The guy fell to the ground holding his jaw.

"Calm Derek," Thomas tried to lay a hand on him, yet Derek dodged the wolf's touch.

"Oh Alpha, remember when I asked for that small favor to keep the peace. This would be the time."

Another member of Savage's pack went towards Derek. With two strikes the member was on the ground. Nathanial bellowed "Enough!" The wolves had no choice but to obey the Alpha. Derek only stopped cause the wolves were under the Alpha's command.

"Looks to me that your Rage wolf has not been able to control his rage." At that time, couple more pouches were thrown and connect was made. Nathanial shook his head. "Keeping him in a pack with no War wolves is dangerous. He'll turn on you."

Savage looked passed Derek towards another wolf, He has been giving me some problems." There was a growl towards him. Savage rubbed his forehead, now was not the time to disobey him.

"Since a certain person moved in during the summer." Tatom shifted his body, allowing Jace to be opened up. Once Jace seen who was standing among the pack. His eyes lit up, Zero pulled him back before he could move.

"I know how to give you what you want. Maybe I can ask the Alpha for more time in the territory to help you. You have not vowed have you?"

"He has," Savage snapped.

"I have not," Jalin growled back. The pack stood shocked to seeing who this Rage wolf was. The very Rage wolf who is Langdon's brother.

"Can you not feel him?" Tatom offered words of encouragement to calm the Rage wolf. "He is standing beside the Alpha's son."

Narrowing his eyes on Zero. Landing his eyes on the boy beside him. His eyes flashed a dark raging red. His jaw tightened. Two more steps brought him closer to the pack. And towards the brotherly pull.

'What is this?' Langdon asked his beast.

'We have a brother my human. Do not let him leave.' His beast whimpered, 'We have family!'

A tear ran down Langdon's cheek. Emotions began to swell up within him. "Zero."

"Have you forgotten what he's done to you?"

"What did you do?" Tatom asked.

Closing his eyes Jalin couldn't believe that he had brought harm to his own little brother. Maybe his rage was already was away from him. "I broke his ribs."

"What!" Tatom yelled, "Are you mad? Has your rage been so out of control that you've lost your way? For God sakes that is your brother!"

Growling, "Listen witch! You have no idea!" Tatom realized what he had done. Gathering the energy he quickly pushed the wind from behind Jace towards the Raging wolf that was after him. The words and anger seem to fall when he caught a heavenly scent. His chest sucked in the sweet aroma.

"Derek were had a deal." Savage growled.

"Which you have not for filled your end." Snapping back, "Yesterday was the deadline. I am free to walk away as I choose to do."

"With this pack?" Savage laughed. "They will not accept you."

"Maybe, maybe not. I do not have to no with them." Derek was too busy staring into the eyes that kept him in place. He wasn't too worried about Alpha's or territories. His beast was screaming 'Mine'. As all noises stopped around him. The people disappeared from view. It was only the beauty standing in front of him. Pulling Jace away from the pack and into him into the safety of his arms.

"Mine," wrapping his arms around him. He brought Jace closer to him. Jace relaxed against his hard muscle body. Automatically Jace trusted his mate. His wolf pushed forward, 'Mine'.

"You got to be shittin' me." Savage looked at the wolves in disgust.

Derek's hand grew claws as he went to strike Savage. Alpha Blackwood grabbed a hold of his shoulder, "Down!" Putting all the Alpha command behind the order. Derek struggled against it. With Jace locked in his arm. The Alpha holding his shoulder, his arm wanting to finish the journey to Savage. Derek's eyes kept a dark raging red color. Stuck between listening to the Alpha and defending his mate.

"Why don't you to home with Jace. As long as you stay with him. I will allow you in the territory."

Jace smiled up at his mate. Unable to resist the mere thought of losing that beautiful smile. Derek stroke his cheek, with the hand that went to strike Savage with. Tatom have Jace a key to his house. Telling him to follow the notes that his sister gladly wrote for him. June jumped up and down before throwing her arms around Jace. Zero was right there collecting her away from Derek. She had no idea what she had just done. June went for a War wolf's mate. But Derek didn't strike out at her. All he did was smile and allowed Jace to hug his sister.

"Looks like I just saved you from somehow serious pain." Nathanial looked over at Savage, "Don't worry I won't harm him yet."

Following the directions on the notes, Jace led his mate downstairs. In the basement, there was a door that held a sign. 'Welcome home' it read. Pushing the door open, rose pedals on the floor. Food sitting on a table with plenty of drinks. A sign that read 'For the new mated couple.' Jace laughed. Only his sisters could do this and get away with it.

"Tatom is really nice," Jace noticed there was a small card on the table.

Derek growled, "The witch?"

"He's aiding your brother." Jace knew they were going to get Jalin. He just didn't know that very Jalin was his mate.

This growl sent the hairs on the back of Jace's neck stand up. With a second passed Derek punched a hole in the wall. Screaming about having his brother right in front of him. How could he be so blind. He screwed up. Harming his own brother! Langdon didn't do anything wrong. He was in a bad mood. It was his fault that didn't notice the brotherly bond between specialty wolves.

Jace slid under his arm. Placed a gentle hand on his face. "Don't worry about it right now. You can make it right. Tomorrow apologize to him. Tell him what has happened to make your rage so-" Jace stopped. His mate was hurting in more ways than one. His mate's rage was high, higher his ever witnessed.

Derek leaned down and capture his lips. 'Mine' his wolf pushed forward.

Picking up his mate, Jace wrapped his legs around the well built muscle man. He had never seen a man so gorgeous before.

Tatom dropped his keys into the bowl by the front door. A sigh escaped his lips. Just downstairs was Jace and his new mate. He knew this day would come. Just wishing the mate in the vision would come forth. It would be nice not to be so lonely.

Always the odd hall in the group. Didn't dress to match his personality. He wasn't comfortable enough to dress the way his heart chose to act. He did enjoy the skinny jeans though. His hair was a reddish blonde, cut short and styled. He was slightly sensitive, thanks to Langdon. Who was secretly taking the Blake for him. Even though he did not know it. Found people beautiful and ugly. All walks of life was never judged by him. He might not agree or understand their way. He was not them.

Flipping through the channels, a phone started to ring. Glancing over, Jalin's jacket. Groaning he went to answer. The ringing stopped.

"Well I didn't want to take a message anyways."

Before he got more then four feet away. The phone began to ring again. Something told him to answer the phone. Quickly finding the phone, the screen read 'fire brother'.

His chest heaved with deep breaths, "He-hello," mentally snapping himself for stuttering.

"Who's this? Where's Derek?"

'Who?' Tatom thought, 'On right, Jalin.'

"This is Tatom. A local witch. Hmm, Derek is downstairs."

"Put him on the damn phone. I need to speak with him."

"Hmm he's found his mate. Do I have to interrupt that?"

"Damnit!" His voice was mixed with anger and pride.

"I know Derek's real name is Jalin and you are the oldest of three. You two are searching for your littlest brother."

A growl silence him. "How do you know this?"

"I'm the witch that is bonded to your little brother."

"Bullshit!"

"Calm down, I'll no get Jalin."

Walking downstairs Tatom placed his ear against the door. It was silent. "He kills me. I'm coming back to haunt you!" Knocking on the door, he waited for his doom.

The door flew open, revealing Derek standing in a sheet. His hair was messed up. "What?"

"Your brother."

Derek jerked the phone away from him. "Why are you answering my phone?"

"A feeling." Tatom looked inside. He couldn't seeing Jace. Just wanting to make sure Derek didn't tear him up.

"No, you can trust him. My mate says he's the witch bonded to our brother. Dalson, I found him. His name is Langdon, he's mated to the Alpha's son. A pack to protect him."

Derek laughed, "I know bro! Here talk to Tatom. I want to get back to my Jace." He laughed again, "My mate, dumbass."

Tatom took the phone back and shut the door. The voice on the other end was musical. He had not realized the effects just his voice would have.

"Are you there?"

"I'm sorry. Just a little worried about Jace. Jalin's rage is way up there."

A heavy sigh came, "How bad?"

"He went to fight Savage with Jace in his arms. If Alpha Blackwood hadn't stepped in. Well you know."

"I need to get there."

During the directions on how to get to the Alpha's house. Dalson stopped him. "He actually found our brother?"

"Yes. I can send you a picture. Zero is his mate. Of course he's the bigger wolf."

"Do it." Dalson snapped.

A couple minutes later Tatom heard a muffle cry. Soft sounds of joy bellowing out of the wolf on the other end. Years of searching for a brother was being released in that moment. With no idea what he looked like or where he was at. This moment was a long dream of hope for the brothers.

"How about I finish giving you the directions?" Tatom's heart ached for the man on the other end.

A chuckle was heard, "Sounds like a plan."

Hanging up the phone Tatom had one more phone call to make. As the phone rang he jumped up in the air as he pouched the imaginary excitement right out of it. Finally the sweet voice answered the phone.

"Mom!"

"Tatom!" She screamed back. Sensing her son's excitement.

"Guess who I just talked to!"

"Tell me."

"I got to talk to Dalson!"

"On my gosh. Wonderful. Tell me everything!" She laughed with her son.

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