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                Next day at school, Langdon's beast kept humming to him, keeping him calm. If he grew tense, his beast would remind him that he too was there. No danger was present at this time. Lunch came along with two new friends apologizing for the day before. Their behavior was out of line. Langdon took the apology with a smile. He too apologizes for his fear. The only other pack of wolves he knew was not so kind. They pretty much stabbed him in the back. More like clawed. Max looked hurt that he would find a pack before them. Especially that he found a pack that would hurt one of their own members.  Discipline was one thing cruelty was another.

In class Zero sat back watching the door for Max and the guy to walk through. He had seen them at lunch; Jen said he was a nice guy. Funny, she did not mention a name. There they were, this time the guy didn't look towards him. His beast whimpered. ‘What the hell?’ Why would his beast be whimpering?

Once again, a peaceful sensation crept into the room. Max was shaking his head towards the guy. Who just shrugged it off as if he had no idea why Max was shaking his head. Just like before his beast began relaxing and enjoying the feeling. Zero was able to remain calm during class. 

The teacher was rambling on about some rules or something when she called on the guy. Asking Langdon if he knew the answers to the various questions, she was asking. Upon answering, she moved onto another question. Once he had answered all the questions, she snapped at him to pay better attention. Langdon asked the teacher to shut off the light that happens to be blinding him now. She looked back; a bright blue light was beaming directly straight at Langdon. Flipping a folder over the light, she moved the class along. Wow, not even an 'I'm sorry' for calling out a guy for no reason. A small irritation came over the class for a quick moment. Zero gave a chuckle in response to the quick mood change out of Langdon.

As last period rolled around Zero noticed that, Langdon was in class. Better than the other class, he was sitting in the seat directly beside him. When he sat down a fear lingered, Langdon began to hum. Zero's beast reacted to the sensation.

"Hey man," Zero stuck out his hand, "Zero."

Langdon's eyes widened for a moment, he did not make full eye contact.

"Langdon.”

A strange electric charge bolted up hand, through his arm. Pulling back, the guys face the front of the room. Something moved inside Langdon, his beast was fully awake and hyperactive. Zero's beast wanted out, not to harm, almost to play. He was excited.

As they walked out of class, someone bump Zero into Langdon. A surge sparked up between them once again as skin touched. Clamping down on his beast, Zero hurried away from him. Having no idea what was going on, the only thing he knew to do was flee and talk to his parents. Just like the Alpha said to do. Then again, he wanted to explore the sensation that ran between them. What did that mean?

            "Hey there handsome,"

            Zero knew the voice, his girlfriend-Shelby. When he felt her hands in case his waist, a disgusting vile acid grew in the pit of his stomach. His beast gave a growl in irritation. Just a touch from his girlfriend made his skin crawl her scent was nauseous.

            "Are you in there?"

            He looked over, forced a smile. "Yeah just thinking. What's up?"

            "I was wondering what we are doing this weekend?"

            ‘Why does she want to know about this weekend?’ Zero fought the urge to fling her off him. What was making him feel this way? For Jimmy-crickets, this was his girlfriend of a year. He might have not been completely in love with her yet he did care about her. Probably not like, he should, but truly, he meant no harm.

            "Hmm, my dad has called one of his famous family gatherings. Let me see what going on then I’ll call you."

            "Okay," Shelby sounded disappointed.

Smiling down he wrapped his arms around her. "Don't go doing that. We'll do something, I promise." As he kissed her, his beast growled at him in disgust. "Want me to take you home?" That made her eyes light up.

Tucking her under his arm, they began walking together towards the exit. A sweet scent filled his nose. Up ahead Langdon and Max was speaking with Jen and the trouble twins. May and June. Technically, they were not twins. Just two orphans the pack had adopted. Both of their beasts were a little crazy. Nathanial had said it was because of their troubled past. Something had happened to them causing a break somewhere in their minds. No one really wanted to put a name on it. It was not just the human; their wolves had suffered as well.

            It did not take long before the pack realized that the girls the best ones for each other. For after all, May and June was mates. May was had more control than June, making her more dominate. Zero's beast had learned to allow them in. He rather enjoyed taking care of the girls.

            "Hi Zero!" June ran up to him and gave him a hug.

            "Hello June, Are you being good?”

            "Yes she is," May, giggled. "June come."

            "Bye Zero," June took a hold of May's hand as they walked away. Both of them called back at Langdon, "Bye Langdon!"

            He laughed, oh such an adorable sound, "Bye ladies." May and June giggled like little girls and ran off.

            Max and Jen turned their heads to show their necks. Zero gave a nod, "Don't forget later you two."

            "We won't," Max put a protective arm around Jen.

            No offense taken from Zero, it was natural for a mate to protect their mate.  Zero was an unmated male; Max was only protecting his mate. For a brief moment, Langdon looked over at him. A vile of emotion balled up in the pit of his stomach. Disgusted that Shelby was holding his hand now. Ashamed that Langdon had witnessed him holding hands with someone. On top of that, he was excited that Langdon had looked over at him.  Zero rubbed his forehead, what was going on with him? He had to talk to his father.

Wolves began taking their places around the pack house. The Alpha walked in to find necks shown in respect. He was the most dominate here; a mere challenge would not turn out so good. Vera kissed his cheek then went to talk with some of the women. Teens were speaking among themselves, children playing here or there.

            "Alpha,"

            "Gregory, how was today?" Nathanial poured himself a glass of water.

            "Fine, work is work."

            They laughed, today was one of those days at work. It seemed like a few of the crew was testing their patience around every corner.

            "Where's Zero?"

            "He's doing something; he'll be needing clothes when he arrives. The boy needs to run off some steam.”

            "What happened?"

            "Not really sure, his girlfriend kept calling. For some reason he blew up."

            "Find his mate?" Daren was walking towards them, quickly showing his neck. Nathanial stretched out and rubbed it a couple of times then dropped his hand. For some reason, Daren had always calmed him down better than Gregory had.

            "Daren," Gregory gave a nod of the head in respect of Daren.

            "That's what I thought but he said that he hasn't. His beast has not claimed anyone."

            "Hmm, maybe it's an Alpha thing. Josh is a little grumpy."

            "Awe yes, they are growing up, future of this pack. How's Aaron?"

            "Well, since his girlfriend did what she did, he's still somewhat shut down. I have noticed a change in him though."

            Unexpectedly, a large tray of cookies and a squeak, “Hi Alpha”, interrupted them. June once again went straight for the hugs. Nathanial laughed as he hugged her back. She went in for a hug to Gregory then Daren.

            "Cookies?" May asked.

            "Thank you girls."

            Once they moved on they heard, "Dad!" Zero had arrived, "Could you send mom with my clothes?"

            Very excused her-self before the Alpha told her that Zero needed clothing. As they entered the room, Nathanial called the meeting. Everyone settled down to listen to what was taking place. Zero sat beside Josh who was the Beta's son. Next to him was Aaron, Daren's son who was third in charge.

            "The full moon is coming up next Saturday. I want everyone at the cabin for the monthly hunt. This year Zero, Josh, and Aaron will be leading our pack."

Cheers lit up for them.

            "As you know they are our future leaders. We will be placing more responsibilities for all activity of school and after school. Vera has each of you a book to keep track of all the children. Children are to report all activities to them. Parents, the pack house will need a good supply of food for those who are here during the day and after school.

            "Also," a growl sounded from deep in his chest, "the pack has worked hard on keeping the Pack house a safe haven for us. Some of you feel more comfortable living here, I completely understand. That is why we have it. Whoever does not stop putting holes in the walls will be place under punishment. You want to tear up something spend your own damn money. This is pack money. I will not tolerate any wolf destroying what we have worked hard to achieve.

            "My father, Gregory's father, Daren's father has worked to give a future to the generations a secured place to call home. By doing this you are disrespecting our fathers and us!"

            Closing his eyes for a moment, he took a couple of deep breaths. This beast was surfacing. "Don't disrespect myself or my Beta's." Nathanial had always called Daren his other Beta. Gamma did not seem appropriate for a title among the wolf pack. Opening his eyes, his beast was under control.

            "These holes will be fixed over the weekend. Now moving along, May will not say whom it was but do not play jokes on May or June. They are a treasure among this pack."

A group of younger teens cringed back when he looked their way, "For punishment if this happens again, we'll have Zero, Josh, and Aaron come up with something." Zero, Josh and Aaron gave a wolf size grin towards the group. Cowering away from the future leaders the group of boys feared that they would back up those smiles. 

            "Alpha, why do we have to tell Zero all our activities?" A little girl wearing a flower dress asked so innocently it made Nathanial chuckle.

            "Kassy, come here." the little girl got up walked straight to him. He picked her up turned her head sideways and rubbed her neck. Little ones need to learn respect when it comes to the Alpha and Betas.

            "Normally we would have your parents tell us. We feel it's time the children learn to let us know. My Beta’s and I are protective over our pack. If you go missing, more than one will know where you are. This is to keep you safe."

            "I come here to the pack house."

            "That's wonderful, tell Zero and he'll make sure it's wrote down." Kissing her head, he set her down. Kassy went straight to Zero who chuckled.

            "I come to the Pack house."

            Zero leaned down, moved her head to the side and rubbed. "Straight after school?"

            "Yes,"

            "Do you walk or ride the bus?"

            "Ride the bus."

            "Very good, now go sit down."

            Kassy gave such a proud and innocent smile before sitting down, Zero laughed,    "She's another Amber."

            "Hey!" Amber bellowed from her seat by the teen girls, causing a laugh from the pack.

            "At this time May, June take the little one's for a snack."

            "Does anyone want cookies and ice cream?" June jumped from her chair; the little ones yelled they did.

            "Everyone up," May stood up, with the boys leading the girls out of the room. The parents watched with pride. Daren commented on how well behaved they were, and how well they listened to May and June. The Alpha quickly agreed.

            "Our children are getting older. We have noticed some change within behaviors. Is there any new mates that we need to record and celebrate?"

            A hand went up, Carter stood. "My mate is Brook," Brook stood up with a smile.

            "Have you accepted?"

            "I have!" she squealed.

            Vera brought out a rather large old book. "Come and sign. We shall hold the celebration this weekend. Until then do not mate."

            "Yes Alpha," Carter took a hold of Brook's hand as they signed the book. Both sets of parents grin with pride for their children.

            "Anyone else?"

Aaron held up his hand, "I have but she will not accept until I ask permission." This surprised dear old dad.

            "To whom?"

            "Her parents,"

            "Ask away."

Wiping his face he walked towards Gregory automatically showed his neck in respect. Gregory gave it a stroke, causing a slight shiver in him. Swallowing Aaron straightened up.

            "Mr. Finn, my beast has chosen Courtney for our mate. I have spoken to her; she says her beast is pleased to have us as a mate. May I have your permission to mark your daughter as our mate?"

            Rubbing his chin, "I actually like the match. I give you my full permission. After tonight before the celebration we will sit and talk."

            "Thank you, sir."

            Courtney squealed as she jumped from her chair and hugged Aaron. "Thank you daddy!" She gave her father a kiss on the cheek. Quickly Courtney signed the book and took her place beside her mother after kissing Aaron's cheek.

            Zero and Josh teased him a bit; Josh said that they were boxing after this. That was his little sister. Courtney growled, already protective over her mate.

            "Hey get your girl," Josh laughed.

            "What about you future Beta?" she snapped back.

            "I'm working on mine, damn if you wouldn't have it. She's human."

            "And she's dating one of the jocks."

            "I would be more and willing to say, 'get rid of him,'" Zero growled, "She's your mate, by now she knows there is a connection. Claim her and screw the jock."

            "Normally I wouldn’t hesitate but her boyfriend is getting in the way. He just happens to be a Thomas.”

            All the teen wolves growled over the name, "Cherry will see no one can amount to a wolf." Another teen spoke towards him, "Show her who's better."

            Vera offered her help for she once was human. While she was engaged to another man, Nathanial had claimed her as his mate. Maybe if she could sit down and talk with Cherry, she could give advice on the situation. Knowing Willow would love to have another daughter to welcome in her home. Josh's mother Willow smiled over at her son with pride.

            Nodding his head, "How about you Zero?"

            "Go jump off a bridge. Why did you do that to me?"

            "It takes the attention off of me. Isn't that what best-friends are for?"

            "No, I do not have a mate nor do I care to hear, 'don't worry there's still time', speech."

            "Zero!" Vera laughed, "All I want is someone to take good care of my son. That's what all of us want."

            Zero smiled over at his mother. He knew what buttons to push to get her riled up. She quickly threw a pillow at him.

            "Alright, save it for home. We have little ones who need their sleep." Nathan chuckled, "Greg, Daren can you think of anything?"

            "Nope,"

            "We're good."

            "Any more mates?" No one else spoke up.

            "Okay, feel free to enjoy snacks, conversation. I need to see Max, Jen, Zero, Josh, Aaron and probably May and June in the den. Gregory, Daren you will want to hear this. Our boys need to know what is going on. We'll meet in ten."

            Ten minutes later the Alpha and his Betas came in with a bowl of ice cream and cookies. The teens were waiting on them while eating their own. It was always a pleasure when May and June baked cookies.

            "To start off with, no one is in trouble. So relax, all I want is more information. I hear there is a new student at school. Max you are friends with him correct?"

            "Yeap, Langdon Stark. Him and his mother moves around a lot. Something about she's afraid of vampires." That caused chuckles.

            "Zero tells me he creates calmness."

            "Oh yes!" June giggled, "He feels like a teddy bear. A soft snuggle teddy bear.”  May quieted her down; the Alpha was speaking with Max. June settled back into May's side.

            "Teddy bear, huh?" his smile caused Max to laugh before answering.

            "When I first met him, he smelled off but I thought that was all of the aromas in the cafeteria. When we were walking towards class, he grew scared. My beast went out of whack as soon as I felt his fear. Then he calmed himself. I told him about Zero, clearly the guy was scared. In class he did this thing, it made my beast so relax I almost fell asleep."

            "Good go on, tell me everything."

            "After school the strangest thing happened. Langdon was scared out of his mind when I ran up to him. My beast went haywire. I felt like I need to protect him. Jen was coming up towards us. At that moment, she became the enemy. It took everything I had in me to tell her to stay back.

            "When Zero lost it on those jocks, Langdon shagged. I could smell and taste a lingering fear. Today he did the same thing with the calmness."

            "Very good," Nathanial smiled, "Can anyone tell me more?"

Giving her opinion May spoke up using a soft voice, “Langy is sweet to us. He doesn't mind us talking to him."

            The Alpha smiled over at her, "Good. I like to hear that you two are making new friends."

            "He says he's a wolf, but different." Jen answered, "I didn't like that thing that happened yesterday. I wanted to protect Langdon but I was scared because Max was right there and there was nothing I could do."

            "He's afraid of us." Max's voice dropped.

            "Do you know why he's afraid of wolves?"

            "Something about betrayal, he really didn't say much."

            "Nathan?" Daren and Gregory had a glint of hope in their eyes. He nodded to his Betas. Both grew grand smiles.

            "That's a damn same," Nathan growled in disgust. "I want you boys," pointing to the top three, "to protect him. Show him that we mean no harm. Beware, Max and Jen already know. He grows scared; you will turn on each other because you will think each other as the enemy. Keep him calm. Announce yourselves before approaching. Show your dominance but show him respect as well. If I am correct, he will not pay attention to your rank."

            "Oh hell," Daren laughed as he wiped his face.

            For a moment, the room lost the three older dominates as they spoke among themselves. Each of the men was excited about Langdon. The others sitting around the room was clueless on why they were excited.

            "Dad what's going on?" Zero raised his voice a bit.

            "Oh hell where should we begin?"

            The dominate leaders began taking turns on speaking, finishing each other’s sentences. They only knew of two in their time. One is with an older ancient pack, another small vampire coven. Unfortunately, he has passed away. Disgraceful, to have a wolf serve in a vampire coven.

            "His kind of wolf goes by many names, Empathy, quieter, emotion dweller. They are rare; you are more likely to find a goat with antlers wearing a bikini faster than these creatures."

            May and June bellowed laughter.

            "He, this Langdon is a wolf but not like us. This wolf has the ability to choose a pack. He can choose a pack by loyalty or if he has a mate within the pack. Or even if he just plain wants to join. On that same hand, he will yearn to become a part of a pack when a pack shows him protection and respect. No Alpha can command him. Orders roll pass him."

            "Empathy has an Alpha's dominance and a submissive loyalty. They are both. As you know, an Alpha yearns to protect his pack. Empathy has that same drive."

            "Their beast is different than ours. They are able to hold one with the beast. Where our beast wants to take over, theirs live to protect the human part. If he cannot calm himself, the beast will. The beast can override its human. The human or the beast is not violent. However they will protect their family or those who cannot defend themselves."

            "More likely they shall allow their mates to fight to protect. They will focus on calming the pack and everyone around." Nathanial sighed, "Instinctively he'll yearn for the caress of a pack. Instinctively you will yearn to give them. Give him a hug and see what I speak of." The teens bounced their eyes around, "Do it, see what I'm saying then you'll understand."

            A moment went by with silence. Nathanial was trying to find a way to explain what Empathy wolves can do. "Okay let's see if I can explain this. Take Max and Jen, they are equally dominate and submissive. Both know they would not survive without a pack or a wolf of Josh or Aaron stature. Zero would step in and protect them both. Say, someone of Daren or Gregory rank, I would step in to help. You three boys could fight together. Langdon would bypass you and come straight to me. In a way, he is my equal. With that, Empathy is the fastest one out of the pack. They are the ones who keep the pack calm."

            Shaking his head, "I don't think I can stress enough how much you need to show him we mean no harm. He has to stay calm.”

            "Damn shame he knows of a harmful hand that a pack can do." Daren almost looked ill at the thought.

            "Boys I would like to open our doors to him. Give him a place to belong. By him, knowing there is a pack here, friends with Max and Jen. Let us hope that will trigger the instinct to belong to a pack. However we will not push, it is his choice. If he feels like we are threatening him, he'll bolt. Also, if this pack cannot give him what he needs. He'll leave as well."

            "We'll need the whole pack." Gregory sounded, "We can't have our boys and girls work hard then someone ruin it for us."

            "This weekend we'll talk to them."

            "Oh crap!" Jen snapped, "Tomorrow we're supposed to meet Langdon at the movies, show him around. I forgot and told Vera I would help with the clothes drive."

            "Don't worry; we'll make it a guy’s night." Max laughed. He knew she had been waiting to go and see the movie. "I'll take you another time, promise." That settled her down. "I can tell him about the guys."

            "Do you mean if they go? We do have a rogue moving around testing my patience. That is all we need is a rogue attacking him or someone around him. His fear will sky rocket. Then we'll have a bigger mess on our hands."

            Nathanial called it a night patrol needed to get going. He called for two more wolves has they walked out the door.  Zero, Josh and Aaron headed over to where the children. Looking over at the boys, Aaron's spirits were still down. Having a girlfriend humiliate the way she had done would bring anyone down. A father could only hope that Courtney will be able to help work out his issues.

The fathers saw witnessing the pride that comes with an Alpha over his Betas. Zero took pride that Aaron had found his mate. Nodding to each other, their boys were going to be just fine.

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