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Chapter 9

Night fell with the shifting of the wolves. Unable to handle the sounds of bones breaking or crunching, Langdon took the discomfort away from the pack. Every wolf stunned by the ability. Truly did not mind that the discomfort was missing. Slowly Cherry climbed on Langdon's back, he stood up. Since Cherry was human she was told to stay back with May and June. Langdon volunteered to watch over them.

All wolves were to participate in the midnight run after the hunt. Until then they were running into the woods for the hunt. Zero on one side and Josh on the other side. They ran with their mates, Cherry screamed and tightened up her grip. What sounded like a laugh came from the wolf she was riding. Coming up to the area where Zero showed him earlier to stop. He slowed down with the girls. Zero and Josh ran ahead with the pack. All eyes stayed on them as they moved deeper into the forest. Cherry slid off to the ground.

"Thanks Langdon," He nodded towards her.

At first, the girls played around and tackled each other. Cherry stayed beside Langdon to keep out of the way. Then the girls joined them shortly.

"You guys are so pretty," Cherry cooed.

Apparently, the dark gray wolf was May, Cherry assumed. She placed a paw on the lighter gray wolf and kept her from moving. A small growl came from Langdon. The darker gray wolf nodded.

"Did I do something wrong?"

Langdon shook his head no. Pushing Cherry down to the ground and laid beside her. In the ground, he wrote out 'hunting,' it took her moment.

"Oh the wolves are hunting and I'm human."

He nodded. Josh had told her that accidents do happen. This is why she had to stay with Langdon. He was fast enough to get her out of harm’s way. Langdon was faster than they all were. Soon he felt her relax into him; a hum came from his chest. Cherry listened; soon she drifted off to sleep. Slightly moving, he cradled her against him, a safer position to keep her safe and warm.  

Off in a distance the snarls and snaps of the wolves were heard. A scream of a deer, screaming in pain as they were being tackled down. Next, a howl lit up the far distance. It was not Zero's, sounded more like Aaron. Next howl was belonged to Zero. Langdon bounced his tail in hopes that Zero out did the others. His mate was the future Alpha after all. Within moments, the third howl was heard. Time to wake Cherry up, the pack will be returning shortly. Slowly Langdon sent a shocking vibe through his body, just enough to jar her awake. Sitting up, he nudged her.

"Oh they're coming?" he nodded.

Soon the pack surrounded the pack leaders that appeared out of the woods. Close behind them were the sons and the pack. Each kill placed before the fathers, the Alpha let out a howl. Tearing the three deer’s into pieces the pack set to their own. Josh and Zero came over with a large chuck. Cherry giggled. "Wow," she sat down beside her wolf.

Secretly she watched Zero and Langdon as they demolished the deer. Langdon would only take small bites, Zero was not holding back. Normally this would be scary and gross for her, now Cherry took the time to listen and watch. Werewolves were scary, tough, massive creatures. A gentle side was never spoken about. Josh would not hurt her unless it was an accident. This is why she will hang back with Langdon until her change.

Once the deer was eaten and scraps thrown back into the woods. She witnessed several mates licking the blood off each other faces. A pang of guilt came over her. Her mate had no one to lick the blood off his face. Looking over at Josh, his tongue came out over his face. Cherry looped her arms around what she could and squeezed.

"I'll make it up to you," she whispered. "I'll be the best mate you can wish for."

Josh whimpered as he gently nudged her.

"You don't-" Cherry paused; her eyes went to the mates around them. Josh followed her gaze and completely understood.

Licking her arm, she giggled. Zero and Langdon came over nudge his head; both began licking the blood from his face. Aaron and Courtney were soon there. They too licked Josh and even her. For a moment, Cherry could not tell who was who. Soon Zero and Langdon laid down, Josh pushed her lightly and curled to Zero and Langdon. Cherry sat down by his neck. Aaron and Courtney squeezed themselves around her.

A laughter came over her, "I'm all warm and fuzzy with wolf blankets." A deep vibrating chuckle washed around her. Checking her watch, midnight was a little over an hour away. Apparently, everyone was catching a nap before the run. Before shutting her eyes, she noticed May and June had curled up to Zero and Langdon. A family, a pride fell over her. She was a part of this family now.

A howl had awoken the pack, slowly wolves rose to the Alpha's howl. The howl was not loud, soft and melody like a song. Cherry dropped a few tears it was so beautiful. Soon all the wolves responded. Nothing so beautiful had ever sounded around her. She could only cling to Josh, one ear listening to the howls built up and released. With her other ear, she listened to the howls of the pack.

Josh laid down for his mate to climb on his back. Cherry gathered herself in the position she was shown to do before getting on his back. Tonight the three sons were leading with their mates. The pack gathered behind them. Zero set out a howl, answered by his Betas. He rubbed Langdon's head before leading the pack on a run through the land.

Shadows laced down from the treetops. The moon would peak out when a clearing would come then disappear with the trees filled the area again. Langdon had to close his eyes for a moment. He had never felt anything so free before. Running beside the one person who he could always trust, always love, his mate. Emotion reached his heart before he had a chance to block it. His beast surfaced more, 'Shh my human, we are good.' With that, he let the night take him away.

Some of the pack began to shift; they had children to care for. Langdon had other plans; he tackled his mate with the stealth of a cat, power of a wolf. Bouncing off he went down to his stomach, waited for Zero to get his bearings. Once the black and white wolf was back up on his feet Langdon barked playfully. Zero growled playfully and lunged forward.

Rolling out of the way, Zero slid to a stop and looked back. The wolf was quick he had to outsmart him. Waiting in a crouch, he watched his mate. Langdon stood still coping the waiting game. Moving left, Langdon went right. He backed up causing Langdon to. Going right, Langdon went left. His mate had cat like reflexes. Setting his paws, Langdon waited.

Zero went to the right, just like he wanted Langdon went left. Sliding his hind legs, he bumped Langdon in the back causing his mate to lose his footing for a moment. Coming up with a paw, Zero pushes him in the side. Langdon rolled to his side, jumped up and leapt into the air, bounced off a tree and over Zero's head. Sliding to a stop before he ran into the Alpha, who happens to be watching with his mate. Some of the pack was behind them.

Zero had fighting skills, all he had was speed. He had to use it somehow. Quickly turning around before Zero tackled his back. He swiped a paw playfully at him causing his mate to back up. Circling each other, Langdon knew he could not beat his mate in a fight even a playful fight. Lunging forward Langdon backed up. A huge wolf grin formed on Zero.

Then Langdon seen it, just behind his mate was a group of fallen broken trees. Coming back with his own paw, Zero backed up. Zigging quickly Langdon bolted up the broken trees, Zero was right on his tail. However, he did not have his sped. Pushing faster Langdon jumped over the trees, bounced off the standing tree. He landed on the ground. Quickly bolting back up, he leapt. Coming down to land on Zero's back. Zero rolled over just in time to catch Langdon. By the force of the wolves, Zero was able to roll him on his back. A playful snap and snarl, Zero licked his mate’s neck. A victory for Zero.

Rolling to his side, Langdon let his tongue hang out. His eyes rolled back and his body limp. Deep wolf laughs came from the watchers below them. Letting his mate up, Zero waited for Langdon to stand before heading back down to the pack.

Once back at the cabin the Alpha shifted back into human form. Vera handed him a robe, she knew that look. He wanted a word with his sons. Langdon was more than an empathy to him, he was now a son. Langdon had let their daughter take on the role of the little sister to him. He put up with her talkative nature, her outgoing spunk and her pride in her family. That was more than impression to them. He has shown patience with each moment with the little sister. By his actions has made him a son, a son to the Alpha.

Calling over Zero and Langdon, the Alpha bent down to look the boys in the eyes. "Well down Zero," he patted his son. "Langdon you used your head. For a wolf who doesn't fight you done very well."

Langdon found himself leaning into the Alpha's caresses. Hearing a chuckle he looked into the Alpha's eyes. All he seen was kindness. Emotion started to dwell up within him. This wasn't how Alpha's were. They were mean and cruel. They hurt those who weren't apart of the strong.

The Alpha's beast pushed forward ever so slightly, "Wolf," the beast took over before Nathanial could control him. Langdon stepped back as the dark golden brown eyes stared at him. The grip tightened up on his neck and head.

"No harm, welcome." he growled.

'Calm,' Langdon's beast cooed, 'He is welcoming us.'

'I know but-'

'Shh, listen to the Alpha.' his beast pushed a calming vibe through them to keep his human calm.

"Now my son," the Alpha laid his head on Langdon's.

Something within Langdon made him push back. Zero was right beside him, he wouldn't allow the Alpha to harm him. He didn't understand why he wanted the Alpha to care for him. The Alpha's beast didn't scare him like before. He felt the beast's pride to have him. What felt like threads breaking inside of him snapped off one by one. Freeing a part of him that has been hidden for so long. With each thread snapping off, Langdon broke down. He felt only joy, love and warmth from the huge Alpha before him and his beast. Stumbling down to his stomach, Langdon's cries came in harsh chest rippling burst. Vera, Zero and the Alpha surrounded him. Nathanial held his sons, stating that he was there. He would never be alone again.

Off on the sidelines Cherry's heart ached upon seeing someone like Langdon break down and cry. Josh placed an arm around her. "Is he going to be okay?" she whispered.

"I believe so, Langdon has not had a good run with the wolves. A pack tried to kill him."

She gasped. Tucking an arm around her, Josh led his mate into the cabin. There was much that he needed to tell her.

Morning rose to find the Alpha sitting in his chair with two wolves at his feet while he sipped his coffee. The female Alpha had begun breakfast for the house. Amber was sitting down on the floor leaning up against her brother and his mate, talking about what the cheerleaders were going to do for the football game. An eye roll came from Zero. Joined by the others a sigh of relief fell over him. Amber now had two other girls to speak with. The Alpha leaned down and patted them.

"Go shift and get ready for breakfast."

Zero stood up and nudge his mate. As his mate slowly rose to a stance Zero laughed at him. The Alpha was interrupting a much wanted relaxing time. Langdon need this, he need just to relax. Who cared if they were in wolf form instead of being in human form. Stick the food in a bowl and let them be. Langdon quickly snapped him out of his thoughts with a paw to the back and him running up the stairs. Zero ran right behind him, followed by Vera's voice.

"Zero, don't you dare destroy the house."

Coming down freshly washed and empty stomachs Langdon sat down on a bench seat as a plate was handed to him, mumbling a thanks. Embarrassment was still upon him for breaking down the night before. This wasn't him. He didn't allow his emotions to get away from him like that. Zero rubbed his back whispered for him to stop. He was fine, no one here was going to look down on him.

Today they were going home. Zero had said he was staying at his house while Bailey was gone. Hoping that he would be able to change his mind though. Seeing that his house would be empty. Too bad Zero hadn't thought of that idea huh?

Little children came running up to the pack leaders to say goodbye. First time of witnessing how kind the pack leaders really were. Each of them took time to speak with the little ones, kissing their little cheeks and telling them to be careful. The older children had learned that the Alpha's were to have respect. Their necks were shown, while they had to turn the little ones heads. Langdon really wasn't for sure how he liked that. To him, they all were the same. Was he to show his neck? That really didn't sit well with him.

Sitting on the stairs listening to the argument that was taking place outside, worried the people in the house. Amber had asked if they should step in with Zero and Shelby. After all he was a newly mated wolf. Everyone looked at Langdon's who widened his eyes. He wasn't sure if Zero wanted anyone to know about them; maybe he wasn't the best person to send right now. Rolling her eyes, Vera flung the door open.

"Zero," the Alpha pull from her mate caught Langdon's attention. He heard an Alpha's mate could use the strength of the Alpha. Experiencing it was a whole other thing.

"I believe it's time to come inside, you have very important company or have you forgotten?"

"I would never place him below anyone," Zero snapped back. "Shelby," the next words floored Langdon. "I'm starting a relationship with Langdon. That's why we can't be together."

"What?" Shelby's voice wavered, "You're breaking up with me for a guy?"

"I gotta go, he's inside waiting on me."

With that Zero came into the house. Meeting his mate's eyes. "I hope you're ready, by tomorrow it'll be over the whole school." All Langdon could do was nod. They were too focus on Zero walking in the door after dropping the bombshell, they over looked the fact that Vera was still outside.

Until they heard, "I do believe it's time for you to go home Shelby." Coming in, she placed a hand on her hip. "Rule, Amber no teenage boyfriend drama."

Amber threw out her hands, "I'm not even allowed to date!"

Zero and the Alpha snapped, "I'll kill him."

Looking up at Langdon for help, "Oh no I can't help. I've never dated anyone."

"Really?" This time Amber and Zero were stunned.

"Kind of hard to form a relationship when your mother is afraid of vampires."

"Well babe that's going to change."

School was a place that children went to learn, supposed to be a safe environment for all people. Yeah right, the first half of the day was spent keeping Zero from killing Derek Thomas and the other jocks. Word had spread quickly that Zero dumped Shelby for Langdon. Lunch wasn't much better, until Langdon put the whole lunch room to sleep unless they were a pack member. Having enough with the name calling, dirty stares and rude comments. The wolves that were sitting at other tablets, snatched up their trays and moved to the table.

"Not cool dude,"

"I'll wake them up in a moment. Just need a minute."

"Derek isn't human, look." Jen pointed over towards his table. The football player was fighting to wake up.

"I hate this," Langdon went over to the jock. Laid his hands upon his shoulder. Imagines of the past slowly formed through the channel. Seeing that Derek was speaking with the Alpha that has caused all fear, Langdon coiled back in fright.

"Langdon!" Zero stood up calling to him.

Tears fell as he blinked them away, "He's a wolf from New York. They were here searching for May and June. Now they know I'm here."

Zero collected Langdon, May and June. Once they were out in the hallway, he was to wake up the students. Taking them outside he called the Alpha to let them know of the situation. Each were told to stay put, wolves were on the way to watch over the school. He was to keep all wolves accounted for.

Sending his mate with Max and Jen, out of all the wolves Max was the one that Langdon trusted the most. As the students filed out of the lunch room, Zero, Josh, and Aaron zone in on Derek. Following from behind, watching his every move.

They followed him out of the school, when he would look back they pretended to be in deep conversation. A black car was parked on the other side of the parking lot. Derek went towards the car. About that time the Alpha and his Beta's pulled up blocking the car. Nathanial inhaled a deep breath as he jumped out of the truck. His beast was pushing forward.

"What are you doing on my territory?" he growled.

The window in the back rolled down, Nathanial growled as a warning. A laughter was heard disrespecting the Alpha.

"Get out of the car."

The front door opened to a small male, clearly submissive. Gregory stepped forth, the man bowed his head and turned it to the side. Using the Alpha power he ordered the man in the back one more time to get out of the car. This time the man had no choice but to obey.

"Who are you?"

"Carl, Beta."

Zero received a text from Langdon, 'Something is wrong. All I see is lies. That's not the Beta. I know who the Beta is.'

"You're lying, you are not the Beta. Don't you dare lie to my father again. Morgan Thomas is before you."

The submissive looked terrified as Gregory stepped closer. He curled against himself trying to make himself smaller. In hopes that the man before him won't strike out at him. Gregory noticed that there was thick black and blue bands on his wrist. Something wasn't sitting right with him.

About that time another text came through to Zero, 'The guy JD, I don't see him with the New York wolves. I think he's been kidnapped. THE ALPHA IS COMING! He just cross the border of my channel.'

That meant that the Alpha was five miles away. This irritated Zero. His mate was pushing himself to open the channels he can. Giving himself a headache. Then on top of it the Alpha was coming into his father's territory.

"Dad, I think we should head back." Zero walked over to his father, "I think we should allow you to handle this." As he stood before his father, he let him read the text from Langdon. Nodding his head, he could sense the other wolves.

"Pup," Alpha Blackwood turned to Derek Thomas, "I've allowed you in my territory. For this you better not cause Zero or his Beta's any trouble. They will walk you back to school. Do not step a hair out of line."

Derek had no choice but to listen, the three wolves would give him a run for his money. He might be able to do damage but right now his beast was going slightly mad. He had to stay on focus. The reason why he was here was for one reason and one reason only.

He had to join the New York pack to cover up what he was doing. The last known whereabouts of the wolf he was looking for was in New York. If it wasn't for this mission, this so called Alpha would have his ass handed to him.

Rubbing his head, life has gotta so messed up for him. All he wanted to do was find his family. Get the information he needed and move on. His beast was going more rogue every day. Maddening emotions was setting in. His big brother had been away from him too long. They broke off to expand the search. He wanted to find out the truth. To get back to his big brother so his beast was in contact with another wolf like him. It was getting harder to control his beast. Take his little brother home. Become a family again. He just had to find him. All he wanted to do was find his little brother.

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