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"Hmm, excuse me." 

Josh turned around to see Cherry standing right there behind him. His heart skipped a few beats. His beast howled in excitement. 

"I was wondering if you guys were going to see Langdon. I-hmm-have part of the project we are doing together. Plus, I wanted to see how he was doing." 

Josh forgot how to speak, May and June giggled at him. 

"Actually we were," Jen spoke up, "Want to tag along?" 

"Do you guys mind?" 

"Not at all, ride with Josh. Zero can ride with us." Jen pushed Josh towards the door, mouthed 'open it for her'. Fumbling with the car door handle, Josh held out his hand once the door was finally open. Without hesitation, Cherry slid inside the vehicle. Looking back, he noticed no other wolf was waiting to get in.

Following Max's car, Josh kept taking glances over towards her. She would blush. Brushing her hair back behind her ear, he about hit the back of Max's car. Apologizing, Josh focused on the road better. He could see May and June laughing at him. 

Everyone quickly noticed that Langdon lived close to the pack house. His house was only a couple of blocks away from where they all meet. Max stepped out, "His mom left the door open, he said to come on up." 

Zero warned May and June to behave themselves. They nodded. Cherry asked quietly as possible, "You guys really care for them don't you?" 

"We do. May and June has had a rough past. They are different, so we make sure they have everything they need and want. We all enjoy taking care of May and June. Besides we get all the hugs we want." As he spoke, June was throwing her arms around his chest. "A June hug will bring a smile to your face every time." 

Cherry giggled as she watch June give Josh a hug, "That's so sweet."

Inside they ascended the stairs, to find Langdon flipping through channels on the television. His hair was a little messy. May and June jumped on the bed, surprising him. "Langy!" they yelled. At first, his eyes widened then softened into a smile.

"Hello May, hello June." Both girls threw their arms around him.

"Hey man," Max came in, "We've got homework."

Rolling his eyes, "That's just what I wanted. Homework." heavily noted on the sarcasm. May and June settled down beside him. Everyone found a seat around the bedroom.

"How are you doing?" Cherry asked, clearly concerned.

"Better, they're healing." There was a hidden message to the others in the room with him. Langdon cleared his throat, "Get into much trouble?" asking Zero.

"Nah, dad says I have a right to stand up for my friends. From what I hear Derek is still at school."

"Really?" using a disdain voice. "One would think he wasn't human."

Cherry giggled at the comment, "You're not the first to say that. My dad says there's something off about him."

"Yeah, like how?" Josh asked.

"Hmm, he heals quickly. Like very quickly. Derek’s hand was cut up from the tip of the finger to the wrist.  What seemed like two days later there was nothing."

"He's a werewolf." Langdon joked. Everyone to stare at him eyed wide.

"You think?" Cherry asked. There was something there. Langdon could sense it; the others could see it in her eyes.

"From what I've heard, not all werewolves are scary and out to harm you."

Cherry laughed at his comment, "I'll keep that in mind next time I meet one."

"Oh," Langdon smiled, "Have you met Josh?"

They all narrowed their eyes on him. What was he doing? The guy was telling their secrets. Then they heard, "Didn't you say wolves were your favorite animal?"

"Oh my gosh, the wolves are so pretty.  How they run as a family. Each member has a place within the pack.  All is important to each other. Last year I went to this wolf park. We watched them run! Oh my gosh! It was so cool! The coolest thing ever was when they howled as a pack." Cherry ended with a squeak. They quickly noted that she was mainly speaking with Josh. He glanced over towards Langdon who was acting as if he had not heard a word. One might think the man had a hidden agenda.  

Zero stayed to hang out with Langdon while everyone else left. His excuse was the history was hard. No one fell for that including Langdon. Somehow, he did not mind that Zero had decided to stay. Maybe being alone was getting to him more than he thought. Zero whispered to Josh before he left to leave his car in the driveway. Liking how all of sudden his car became Josh's. Josh gave an awkward smile then hurried after Cherry. 

Dinner was on him tonight, Zero ordered pizza. He scolded Langdon for not eating as he should be eating. A sandwich was not going to cut it. Bailey called to say she was going to be late. The boys had longer time with each other. In the process of switching stories, Zero had found out a lot about the new friend. Some gave his heart a good tug. He could not have imagine having to discover life like Langdon had. 

Cleaning up the mess they, made Zero looked down at a sleeping Langdon. He looked so peaceful in his sleep.  Like a little angel, a beautiful fragile angel. Wiping a piece of hair away from his face, he could not help but to stroke the side of the beauty's head. Within him, his beast began to give a purr like sensation. Before freaking out too much, he left a note for Bailey. Stating he left the leftover pizza in the refrigerator. Hoped she had a good night. Leaving the time when Langdon fell asleep was probably creepy; at this point, he did not really care. The note he left Langdon said to get better and he will see him on Sunday. 

The ride to the cabin was full of 'knock it offs' and 'don't make me pull rank'. Josh would turn around in the seat growling at May and June. Although it was out of fun, the girls were getting rowdy. 

"I miss Langy," June teased, "He's so a teddy bear." 

"Why didn't we bring him? Is he not a wolf like us?" May asked, "Wouldn’t it have been nice to have him along for the trip?  Do you not like him?"

"What makes you say we don't like him, May?" 

"Cause he is friends with Cherry and you look at him funny. Like he's a pest." 

"I do not," Zero snapped. "I like Langdon." His beast growled in defense and pleasure. Shifting in his seat, he hopes no one could sense his struggle.

"Are you sure?" May leaned up between the seats, "You stare at him funny." 

Zero narrowed his eyes, "That's because I'm figuring out ways to get him to trust me. Our Alpha wants him to join us. Far as Cherry, well?" they looked over at Josh.

"Cherry and he are friends; I can't take that from her." Josh mumbled. 

Still worried on how to get Cherry to see how much he wants her. The girl was driving him mad. How was it fair for one person to hold so much power over another? From the moment she comes near him, his beast goes mad and takes him along for the ride. 

Children were already out playing, adults were talking among themselves. Some wade in the pool. Funny thing about werewolves, in wolf form they sink like rocks. The massive size of the wolf made it hard for them to swim in wolf form. A stronger wolf could survive. In human form, they could swim. Some still were afraid to go above waist high. 

Wolves showed respect when the two cars stopped and parked. Max and Jen drove with Aaron and Courtney. Freakin' mated couples, a pang of loneliness hit home with Zero. A mate would be nice, someone to share all with. No secrets kept between mates. Walking away from each other was out of the question. For life, they will always have each other.

"Hey Zero!" Amber ran up to the car, her stomach showed but she still tilted her head sideways, "Hi Josh." 

"Hey," Josh carried his bags towards the cabin. 

"Cherry issues?" she asked Zero, he nodded. 

"What are you doing?" 

"Laying out, Dad wants you." 

"Figures." 

Zero made his way through the crowd of people. Everyone who said hello to him he would give a greeting back in return. Stepping into the cabin, he found his father nuzzling his mother's neck as they sway back and forth. Vera smiled over and waved. Sending a smile back, she turned so the Alpha could see his son. Zero showed his neck, Alpha smiled. 

"Your mother has the softest limbs."  As he spoke to his son, he caressed his mate’s arms then planted a kiss on her cheek. 

Always amazed him on how two people could dance with no music. Vera always said they danced to the beat of their hearts. Apparently, it has worked for them after all these years. 

"How was the drive, dear?" Vera asked. 

"Noisy, May and June is getting tied to the hood on the way home." 

He heard chuckles from his parents.

"Your mother is worried about you. She thinks the reason you are fighting a lot is your beast has become unsettled." 

"Meaning what?" 

"Meaning he senses your mate." The Alpha dipped her back gently as she spoke to her son.  

"Haven't we had this discussion?" 

"To a point we have discussed it.  Sweetie, I want you happy. You have a loneliness in your eyes that breaks my heart." 

"I promise when I find her I'll let you know."

Hearing them chuckle made his heartstrings tug. Walking over he put his arms around both of them. They looked deep into his eyes and saw sadness. He planted a kiss on each of their cheeks, and then laid his head on his father's shoulder. Vera stroked his cheek so lovingly. 

"Zero what's wrong?" 

"Nothing and everything. I just want to say thanks for being strong enough to raise a son like me. I know I can be hot-headed but you've never walked away." 

"What's going on?" Vera was worried. 

"Oh Langdon. He told me some stories about his life. One story really hurts. I cannot erase it. I tried to imagine what it was like but I cannot. I have you two. And I'm not talking about Alpha's, talking about my parents." 

"May I ask the story?" Vera stroked his cheek again. 

"Langdon's birth parents, they dropped him off on a doorstep, straight from the womb. He was still bloody and that clamp on him. If Bailey wasn't home-" he stopped, letting the story fall. "I don't know why that story bothers me so much. For some reason it's eating at me." 

Star quality in the Alpha was no child goes without love. He would spend days on finding a wolf child a home. He brought May and June directly into the home. If Langdon had fallen on their doorstep, there would have been no questions asked. He would have a home with loving parents and all that he could ever want or need. 

Planting a kiss on top of his head, "Son, it's because of who you are. We raised you to protect and cherish life not to throw it away. Remember little boy Keal, when we found him on patrol. The boy might be human, but a wolf family because they wanted him. 

"Our history isn't the greatest. Werewolves are dangerous and unpredictable creatures. We have our own battles and blood shed for years. Still we protect what is ours. Family, a pack belongs to us. No matter if, it is a human child or a werewolf child. Once you are a member of this pack, you will always remain a member of this pack." 

Zero squeezed his arms, "Thanks." 

"You are most very welcome sweetie. Your father might be the Alpha but you children are his first and last priority.” Vera gave that heartwarming motherly smile that Zero and Nathanial both love so much. 

The door opened to Amber bouncing in, "Oh hey, I want one!" Running over she threw her arms around them, "Awe, we're the coolest family ever!" During the laughter, the Alpha wrapped his children between him and his mate. His mate touched them all as well. 

"What are you doing?" 

"Oh well not to rain on our cool family moment but Josh is laughing too hard to help and I can't find Gregory or Daren. Our sweet little May and June has tied up Aaron and Courtney to a tree." 

Zero bellowed a laugh, "I'll get them." 

Searching for May and June was not that hard. Aaron seemed embarrassed when he untied him and Courtney. No harm on Zero's end, he felt that Aaron should not have been embarrassed. He needed to get to May and June before they get into more trouble. The girls were playing around the fire pit. Upon seeing Zero, they giggled as they took off. Chuckling, he stood for fifteen seconds than sprang into action. 

Sprinting into a run, Zero homed in on June. Always get the easy one out of the way. June tried to dodge around trees and people. As the pack seen Zero running after her, they stood still. Best be a tree than road kill. A little boy fell in the path of Zero. Causing his mother to tighten up her body, she would not be able to reach him in time. Luckily, Zero was paying full attention. In the same motion, he flipped over the boy's head and stood him up. The boy laughed and pointed. Without missing a beat, he stayed right on her tail. When she crouched down and slid to a stop, Zero followed her, pinning her to the ground where they slid.

"Well done June, you are getting better." 

Her face lit up, "Am I?" 

Helping her up, he tossed her over his shoulder and carried her out of the woods. From the porch, his father and mother watched over the playfulness. Zero had his beast under control during these games. He was the only one out of the young dominates who was able to do this. A game of hunted. Setting June on her feet, he dusted her off. Tucking his hands at the side of her head, they seen her nod and skip off. Now the hunt was on for May. 

Closing his eyes he thought, 'Okay beast, time to get May. Remember no harm.'

'May,' the beast growled in return, pushing himself closer to the surface. 

Opening his eyes that now held a golden tint, a growl slowly reached his lips. Sending out growl into the air, the wolves parted ways. Zero was on the hunt for May. This game was never old. Inhaling deeply, he caught her scent. His feet hit the ground with a feather like touch. Dodging and weaving through the pack and obstacles in his path. May purposely ran around the woods to send him on a wild chase. A fresh scent passed his nose, the beast within growled, 'May'. 

"May," he whispered. Inhaling more, she doubled back and went left. Closing his eyes, he zoned in on the sounds around him. A scrape came from a group of trees. Inhaling a deeper breath 'May'. Her scent filled his nose completely. Zero took off to his left this time. 

Trees went by with a slight blur. A streak passed yards in front of him. Both he and his beast growled, 'May' pushing forward, Zero jumped over children. Dodged the adults with such grace and speed they almost could not keep up with his movements. His golden eyes stayed focused on the target. May kept zig- zagging, trying to shake him off. He slowed down the pace to give her the confidence to stay ahead of him. May slid on the gravel as she tried to turn. Slipping down, Zero purposely passed her up. Jerking around and growling. May laughed. Quickly got up and ran away. He paused for a moment to give her a head start again. This time he took off in another direction. Confused by his actions, May wondered what he was doing.

Slowly she rounded the trees. May covered her mouth and listened for Zero. Her beast was excited, Zero always played with them. A dominate, strong Alpha son, gave them such care. During the time she has known him, they had become more family than they have friends. Glancing around the tree, the pack had settled down. Studying the surrounds, she could see that June was sitting with the Alpha and the female Alpha. She felt a breath on the side of her neck. Flinging back, she screamed. Zero growled, causing an echo. The pack looked over. 

Every movement she made Zero matched. Backing out of the woods, he followed. Turning around she bolted. Zero stayed right behind her. Passing the Alpha and June, he suddenly stopped. Turned back to the plate June was holding and stole a couple of chips. June yelled for her mate to run. 

"Cheddar yum." 

The Alpha laughed at his son's actions. 

"June, you better saves me some," June giggled at him. Looking around for May, he figured she would use the opportunity to hide again. 

In the distance from them to the water, they heard a deathly scream and water splashing. Zero automatically knew what happened. His feet hit the ground as fast as they would carry him. June was running, screaming May's name. Yelling at everyone to stay away from her, Zero drove off the deck and into the lake. 

Giant splashes, screams in terror. May's wolf was colliding with her human side. She was trying to shift and trying to stop herself from shifting. Water swept around the terrified girl. She fought to stay above the water. Zero called to her as he tried to touch her. Catch a glimpse of the zone out fright. Her and her beast was afraid. Never a good thing when this took place.

Striking out at him, claw marks appeared on his face. Zero dodged the next few strikes. Catching an arm, May growled and hissed, clawed and bit at him. She did not recognize that he was trying to help her. Beyond them, the pack stood still, one of their own was in trouble. Fear of not being a strong swimmer kept them from helping. Zero disappeared under the water. 

Moments later two powerful arms came out of the water, wrapped around May. A growl lit up around them. Zero used a deep tone, pushing all of the power as future Alpha behind the command, ordering her to calm down. May did her best once the order hit her, the fear kept her from completely obeying the order. With one arm tightly wrapped around May, he began to swim to the deck. Nathanial stepped forward. 

"May knock it off!" he growled. The Alpha order pushed over them, May's body wanted to obey. The Alpha sensed this. "That's it, listen to the order, May," he growled again. "You're safe with Zero." Finally, her body responded to the order and went limp. 

Reaching the deck Gregory and Nathanial pulled May out of the water; next Nathanial pulled his son out. Blood ran down his face, chest and arms. Vera came up with towels for them. Nathanial began pulling off his son's shirt. The wounds were starting to heal but not fast enough for him. Licking each wound, they sealed up faster. Leaving red lines where the claw markings once where.

"How's May?" Zero asked. 

"Shaken and terrified." Vera answered. 

Once everyone was changed and washed up Zero pulled May to his side. Stroked her hair, telling her everything is fine. He would never let her die. June curled up to May, helping to keep her mate calm. The Alpha looked on; his son has always shown strength. However, the gentle hand he has been known to have especially with May and June has surprised him a great deal. Either of the boys, Aaron and Josh could never possess. One of the pre-teen wolves took over a plate to Zero. Thanking the boy as he rubbed his neck. The child seemed to relax with Zero, also respected him. 

Rearranging his body on the couch, he tucked May between his legs. Tucked a blanket around her, had June lay with her mate. Zero did look worn out; Vera had mentioned this earlier to the Alpha. He was only able to see it now. As Zero ate, he would give May bites of food. She was weak, food was necessary, and she needed to eat. The red marks upon his face were now pink. There was no frustration towards May. Zero's beast had understood that May and June and their beast were different from the other wolves. Which made Zero more impressive among the pack and a father even more proud of his son. 

            The pack sat around listening to the Alpha speaks of the old days and days of the future. How the pack had grown since the time of the older days. The children have become stronger. With this it has allowed them to find the strength that can bring the pack a better way of life. The youth of the group had found an empathy. The older wolves had widened their eyes with surprise. For those who do not know what an empathic wolf can do, he explained. An empathy can mess with emotions. Take anger away from someone; make him or her feel happiness. To a wolf, help control the violence that can happen among wolves.  To a pack, the beast automatically trusts this creature. No wolf is actually jealous of an empathy. Instinctively they know that this creature is trying to help. 

"Alpha is you saying that you want him to join us?" 

"I do." 

"We don't have a strong enough female," an elder woman cried. "An empathy has to be protected! Only a strong dominate wolf holds that strength." 

Wiping his face, Nathanial tried to keep himself calm at the woman's outburst. "I have thought about this. If must be, I will assign guards over him. As of right now Zero, Josh, Aaron, Max and their mates have been given this task." 

"So you say! An empathy does not feel safe they shall leave!" 

Growling at the old one, "Do you question the future of this pack?" By the insulting nature of the woman’s words, the Betas took offence as well.  

"I do question the future of this pack," she growled back. "You place children in charge of an empathy. They are not strong enough!" 

Nathanial marched directly to the old woman who cowered back, whimpering in fear. Snatching her up, she cried out. 

"Are you saying my son is weak?" His eyes turned a golden; fangs began to protruding as a snarl rippled out of him. "Am I weak?" The old woman cried out, her lips trembling. Nathanial extended his claws on one hand, went to strike her. Stopping only inches away from the woman’s face.

Growling as he spoke, "You are to stay away from the pack. During the hunt, you shall stay in the cabin. Your actions have cost you to be shunned until we leave." Throwing her down, he turned his back on her. "ANYONE ELSE?” 

The pack remains silent. Alpha Blackwood kept from killing the woman when his beast showed himself in the Alpha. Pure golden eyes stared them down. The elder walked away in tears with her head down. 

"Tomorrow Zero, Josh and Aaron shall lead the hunt. Three kills, three honorable men to put food in your stomachs. Children are to remain at the pack house. Those who are joining the hunt for the first time, welcome. There are many more to come." 

Having the old woman speak out against the pack and ruining the Alpha's day. He was in disgust with a lot. Grumbling as he walked away to cool off. Last anyone seen were his eyes glowing brighter with rage. 

Gregory stepped up, "Vera, Willow, I think it might be best if the children should move onto snacks." 

Vera glanced behind her at her mate. She nodded, "Come along, May and June come and help us." 

The three boys sat together off to the side, Zero rubbed his chin. "Thanks to the woman we better step up our game." 

"Like we're not nervous enough," Aaron snapped. 

"At least you have someone who will stand up for you. Zero and I aren't even mated yet." 

"You're closer than I am," Zero snapped. "Everyone tells me my beast senses our mate but I have no clue who in the hell that can be." 

"Damn, what the hell is wrong with us? We have three idiots trying to impress a pack of overly judgmental wolves that is waiting for us to screw up. We are supposed to protect an Empathy that is scared shitless of us." 

"A human mate that is human dating a jock. On top of that, I have an invisible mate that is getting on my nervous. Plus one wolf who is reeking of hormones." 

Josh and Zero chuckled when Aaron shot them a nasty look.

"We're happy for you man. Courtney is one of the hottest female wolves in the pack." 

It was Josh's turn to shoot a nasty expression towards Zero. "Man I know she's your sister but she's hot. Who would you rather her be with Aaron or say Bret over there?" 

Un-mated females that loved the attention surrounded another wolf. Aaron growled at the comment. 

"Chill man, you’re the right wolf for my sister." Josh nudges him. 

Zero frowned. He just wished for a moment that his life would be easy. The Alpha's son un-mated while his Beta's were mated or working on it. A pang of sorrow had his beast whimpering more. Depression started to sink in. Rubbing his neck there was only one way to described him, lonely. 

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