A Beta's Determination

The Great Smokey's

Sam

Two years had passed since the turmoil with Amarok and his pack. Things seem to be going naturally mostly between Elijah, Julia, Cat, Christian, and the rest of the pack.

I took Colleen on a much-needed vacation in France about a year after the chaos, where Elijah paid for us to stay at the deluxe hotel right off the water. After the s**t everyone had been through, we all needed to get away for a while.

Julia and Elijah's twins, along with Cat and Christian's twins, just celebrated their second birthday, and I must say those two pairs sure know how to keep you on your toes. Julia's third child, Olivia, was born not long after their wedding and is the prettiest, little bouncing, brown-haired little one-year-old I have ever met. Cat gave birth to a handsome blonde-haired little boy, Jacob, as well. It's like their reproductive cycles were synced to having pups simultaneously. Crazy as hell if you ask me.

Colleen wants more pups, but I don't feel that right now is the right time. She continues to tell me if the Moon Goddess wants to bless us with more pups, she will. We have Serenity, who is now three years old, and I am happy entertaining her little enthusiastic self and giving her the attention a father should.

"Elijah, what time do we need to get to the office for the merger with the Changs? I must ensure all my responsibilities are taken care of before we go."

"Their plane isn't landing until tomorrow evening; that should give you plenty of time to get your affairs in order."

"With Colleen being out of town and me trying to get Serenity taken care of through the day has been more challenging than I expected. I have an Omega looking after her right now, so I can finish the reports. Do you think Julia can help me out with the finance portion? I know she's been super busy with the kids and watching after Cat and Christian's as well, so I don't want to put too much on her if she can't right now?"

"She shouldn't have a problem with it. She has the kids down for a nap; send her a link and see if she can help you this evening?"

"Thanks, man."

Julia, you think you would be up to help me finish up the reports for the merger with the Changs? I could use it, and the financial statements have got my mind boggled, and I can't seem to wrap my head around it.

Sure, Sam, I don't mind helping and taking a look at them. Let me get the kids settled when Cat returns, and I can meet you in my office.

Thank you so much, Jules. I owe you big.

Since when do you ever call me Jules? In the two years I have known you, you have never called me Jules. Are you sick or something?

No, I am not sick. I have grown fond of you and consider you like a sister, and you seem to have grown on me. I know you are closer to Christian than me, that's understandable, seeing how outspoken he is, but I respect you not only as my Luna but also as my friend. I hope you don't mind me calling you Jules.

I could never mind you calling me Jules. All my friends and family call me that or Julia or Luna. Whichever you prefer is okay with me. I have to go; Jacob and Olivia are waking up, and I need to put the other four down for their nap, or all hell will break loose.

Thanks again.

No problem.

I disconnected my link, and ran back up to my office to arrange the papers so that when Julia got finished, she wouldn't have to wait for me to get myself organized.

Cat was down at Jo and Jax's cottage working on some new spells to help with colicky pups. Believe it or not, wolf pups can get colic, one of the most stressful things a parent goes through. Wolves hardly ever got sick or had diseases, but someone would get sick now and then, letting Cat and Jo help along with Dr. Moss to get them well.

Jo and Cat are all about natural herbal remedies more than using their magic for help, but sometimes they have to throw in a spell or two to get it right. They practice often right off the territory per Elijah's request and as Alpha, of course.

Christian is out of town with Rex on an assignment in Bulgaria and would be home today. Rex is the kind of man to get the job done and not come back for cleanup; no mistakes or mishaps.

It feels good to know we have so many different supernaturals in our pack, and has recognized us as their friend and family. When Rex joined the pack, I was a little wary at first, but he's like a tattoo, with you for life.

Lucius and Maria are doing great. Their little ones are getting big fast and are everywhere. If you had met Lucius four years ago, you wouldn't believe the kind of turnaround he has done for himself. He is an entirely different person than the evil son of a b***h he used to be.

Elijah, what do you say we spar for a bit and then take a run? Tank has been itching to get out for a while, and I haven't had the time having Serenity.

Yeah, man, that sounds good to me. I'll meet you downstairs in five minutes.

See you then!

I changed my clothes and grabbed an extra set of shorts, just in case, and shimmied down the stairs in no time. Elijah was already waiting for me at the bottom.

"How the hell did you make it down here before me?"

"I had just finished changing out of my office clothes and already dressed when you linked me."

"Hell. The last one to the training grounds has to buy dinner when we go out again," I yelled, running put the backdoor with Elijah hot on my heels.

"You're on."

We both took off running out of the packhouse and headed up the hill. Elijah was faster than me on takeoff, but I always stayed one step behind him; if I stuck my hand out, I wouldn't be. We stayed neck and neck, reaching the top of the hill. As we topped it, we stopped dead in our tracks, Elijah grabbing hold of my shirt to pull me back as a group of young warriors ran past us.

"Damn, I almost plowed them over. Thanks for the save."

"No problem. They shouldn't be running through here anyway. We have training grounds for that. I will have to talk with Jax and see if he can get that under control and let them train with them out there.

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"Elijah, how come every time we spar, and I get close to kicking your ass, you come back and throw me on mine?"

"I can't help you can't take it like a champ," laughing and throwing his head back.

"Man, you are an asshole sometimes, you know that?"

"I get told that a lot here lately."

"So what do the ladies have planned for Christmas this year? I know we did the Secret Santa thing last two years, but I want them to spice it up."

"That actually doesn't sound like a bad idea. What do you have in mind?"

"I thought we could all take a short adult trip the week of Christmas and be back before Christmas Eve; that way, the kids can open at least one of their gifts on Christmas Eve. Plus, Rex and Evie said his family wanted to spend Christmas with him this year and meet Evie. I don't have a problem with them coming. What about you, Lij'? They plan on coming in on the 23rd."

"A trip sounds like a great idea. Let me run it by Julia, and I'll get back to you. Any suggestions on our getaway location?"

"I thought we could take a trip to Florida or maybe Tennessee. I hear the scenery in Tennessee is magnificent. I've only been through the state just passing by; we didn't get to stop and do any site seeing."

"I've always wanted to go and enjoy the scenery nature offers in different states, plus I don't think Julia has ever been to Tennessee. Maybe we can look into renting a cabin and spend the weekend and beginning of the week and come back on the morning of the 23rd."

"My mom and dad can watch Serenity."

"I doubt my mom and dad would have any issues keeping my three."

"It's settled then. A road trip to Tennessee. Hell yeah, Lij', I don't think I have been this excited in a long time."

"Hold up, man. We still don't know if all the ladies will be up for it or at least to that location."

"Use your persuasion," raising my eyebrows, signaling to him he knew what I meant.

"Yeah, it doesn't work like that," rolling his eyes at me.

"I know Colleen will be on board without a doubt."

"Run it by the others; you let me handle Julia," he smirked, playfully smacking me on my back.

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"Hell yeah, I am so down for a trip. We were just going to do Secret Santa again this year. This is so much better than receiving more s*x toys or tons of lingerie that we don't get to wear long enough because you d***s rip it off every chance you get," Evie exclaimed, clapping her hands ecstatically.

"Jules, what do you think?" Evie patiently bounced in her seat, waiting for her to reply.

"Tennessee does sound quite tranquil and relaxing. I could use some 'Elijah' time, seeing as we don't get to spend as much time together with three kids", emphasizing Elijah with her quoting fingers.

"Okay, sis, a simple yes or no would have sufficed. I don't need to know what goes on in the bedroom with you and my brother", Evie scoffed, making a gagging noise.

"Oh, shut up. Don't act like you don't f**k Rex all over your cottage and then some," Julia replied, rolling her eyes.

"Okay, ladies, I just needed confirmation of the trip. I didn't need to know your s****l relations in the process," replying and shaking my head simultaneously. The ladies just laughed hysterically, causing me to blush a bit.

I don't know how the hell they function sometimes. They are worse than us guys.

"Just let Colleen, Christian, and Cat know that Elijah and I are game and will check on cabin prices in the mountains. I hear there are some amazing hiking trails; maybe we could find some secret ones to let our wolves out for a bit. The more I think of the planning, the more excited I get."

Julia ran to her office in a rush, leaving Evie and I sitting there.

"When she gets hooked on something, she doesn't stop until everything is planned and organized," Evie shrugged her shoulders, tilting her head sideways.

Evie then got up, left the packhouse to go home, and waited for Rex to get home. He and Christian were due to be home this evening. Then we could all get together in Elijah's office to plan it together. Christmas was still about a month away, but the way the guys were, even worse, the ladies, we wouldn't be packed and ready to go until the day before we left.

Sam, by the way, I am free now if you want to go ahead and bring your paperwork for the Changs to my office, and we can take a look at them.

Thanks. I'll be right there.

I disconnected the link and made my way to my office. I had already had most of the details filled in. All that was left was just the review and correction.

"Sam, it looks like you have got all the crucial details correct. However, you need to pay more attention to the profit loss versus the profit gain. It's always rewarding when you earn money. It's when you are not earning any in certain areas of the company that needs more attention."

"Julia, have you ever thought about going back to school? I mean, like, maybe for an accountant degree? You know your s**t and the company could use your help a lot more with the difficult tasks that arise."

"Sam, I really haven't given it much thought about going back, especially with three kids. There is no way in hell I would ever have time to study. Olivia is still breastfeeding, and I don't want to take that time with her away and be stuck in the books. Plus, I enjoy the time I get to spend with the twins. At this age, they are the most adventurous yet challenging little creatures I have ever seen. I love it. I enjoy watching them grow and learn different things day by day. I don't want to miss out on all the critical moments in life right now. I already have my masters degree in business."

"I totally understand; I was the same way with Serenity and am still that way. She is learning to say sentences; they are not complete, but she tries. Colleen and I can understand what she says, but others still have trouble comprehending. Just think about it. I think you will do great in accounting. If you decide to go back, let me know. I will give you some pointers in areas you may need help on. You think you could still help me with the reports if I need it?"

"I would be glad to help you if you need it, and you will be one of the first to know if I do decide to go back. Now, I need to find my husband and have some hardcore sex."

"Geeze, I don't care to know you ladies' s****l escapades. All of you ladies are worse than us guys. You know that?"

"You all still love us," she stuck her tongue out, scrunching her nose as she turned to walk out.

I grabbed the reports and returned to my office to find Colleen and let her know about the trip. I knew she would be ecstatic and possibly give me a prize in return if you know what I mean.

"Hello, my beautiful mate," smiling, sneaking up behind her and slipping my hands around her waist.

"What are you up to, Samuel Black?" She slowly turned around, keeping my hands on her hips.

"Can I not give my wife some affection without being up to something?" She knew I was full of s**t.

She just stared at me, arms crossed and giving me the eye.

"Okay, I have a surprise for you, and I hope you like it."

Colleen dropped her arms to my hips and looked at me with her beautiful blue eyes.

"What is the surprise? You know I can't stand it when you do that. I LOVE SURPRISES!!"

"Well, as you know, each year we do the Secret Santa thing for Christmas, so I suggested to Elijah we go on an all-adult trip the weekend and week of Christmas. We will return on the 23rd because Rex's family is coming this year for Christmas to meet Evie and her family. That means no kids, no diaper duties, no crying or whining—peace and quiet for all of us. Julia and Elijah are down for the trip, and I was going to talk to you and Cat and Christian when he got back to see what they think."

"Where are we going?" Colleen was all smiles and was happier than I had seen her in a long time.

"Well, it was either to the beach in Florida or the mountains in Tennessee. Are you up for about a week's trip the weekend and beginning the week of Christmas away from Serenity and enjoying each other? I know Mom and Dad won't mind keeping her and spoiling her rotten."

"OH MY GOSH, Sam, that is an excellent idea. Serenity will be perfectly okay with your parents, and my parents are only down the walkway if they need them for reinforcements. I am down for this trip. I need to start getting things together."

"Babe, Christmas is not for another month. I think you will be fine to put off packing for at least two or three weeks."

"Sam, you cannot put it off because of how crazy our lives are, something will happen and will forget about packing and end up running around like crazy people on Black Friday."

I love that woman so much, but sometimes between her and the other ladies egging each other on different situations, they are either ganging up on us guys or one of us. I know one thing, this trip will be spectacular, and I couldn't think of anyone else to spend it with than with my wife and family.

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"Welcome home, man. Feels like I haven't seen you two in a month," giving Christian and Rex our usual brotherly hugs.

"It feels great to be back. Facetime isn't the same when it comes to seeing and talking to your mate. I missed Evie like something severe," Rex chimed in.

"Same here. I tried to talk to Cat at least once a day and night before bed, but it's like you said, Rex, just not the same. Where is my sexy ass woman anyway?"

"Her and Jo are down at the warehouse, trying new spells and potions. Get this. They have come up with a brew to help baby pups with colic. Isn't that unbelievable? I mean, Dr. Moss still helps with the medical portion and monitors the pups, of course, but I think they have done some pretty fantastic stuff since you two have been gone."

"Dude, that's some crazy s**t. I know wolves don't get sick much, but to help cure something that even medical professionals are not exactly sure what causes it is on a whole other level."

"It definitely is."

"So, I want to ask you guys something, and I need your input."

"Okay," Elijah, Rex, and I answered together.

"I want to ask Cat to be my wife. I thought about asking her at our Thanksgiving dinner, but I didn't want to impose on the family time we all have together, either. What do you think?"

"Do it. Cat is going to be so shocked. I want to marry Evie yesterday, but she says it's too early. I mean, hell, we have been together for two years now; I don't want to get married when I am a hundred years old. I told her I loved her and that I would wait as long as she needed me to. I think she is scared, is all."

"Evie has not always had the best turnouts with relationships and commitments; not saying she is not the committing type, quite the opposite. It is always the other guy that screws it up and leaves her scarred and picking up the pieces of her broken heart. You two are mates, destined to be with each other, so I think Evie will eventually put her walls down and let you into her heart. I know you are mated and marked, leaving both of you together for life, but that still doesn't mean she isn't guarded."

"Thanks, Elijah. Evie doesn't like to express her feelings much when telling me how she truly feels about me. It is almost as if she wants to say it, but she can't get the words out or is afraid of my reaction when she does tell me."

"I understand. Give her time and continue to be the best mate she should have. Everything will fall into place at the time it needs to."

"Okay, Dr. Phil. I still need all of your input on the Cat proposal situation," Christian looked at all three of us with his arms straight out, indicating he was still in the room too.

"Don't get butt hurt, Christian. I think you should do it when the timing is perfect, whether it is at Thanksgiving dinner or f*****g her in the shower," I told him, shrugging my shoulders.

"Well, that's one vote. Now two more. What about you guys? What do you think?"

"Christian, it's like Sam said when the timing is perfect, but I don't mind if you take a little spotlight at the Thanksgiving dinner if that is when you want to do it. I won't tell the ladies, especially Julia. She can't keep a secret for shit."

"Colleen is the world's worse at gossip," laughing at Elijah's statement.

"Rex, what's your input on the situation?"

"Go for it. Never be afraid to show how much you love someone. Hell, I will even record it without the ladies knowing. I'm sneaky like that."

"I guess it is settled then. I will ask Catalina Hernandez to marry me on Thanksgiving in front of all our family, friends, and the whole pack. I am nervous as shit."

"You will do fine. Just say what's in your heart," Elijah sat down at his desk to start getting our Christmas getaway organizing underway.