Blood and Silver: First Bite

Convincing the Pack

Jackson arrived at Abigail’s house, and she ran out to greet him. His jaw hung open when he saw her. She had on short Jean shorts, a white tank top and a long, grey cardigan. It was a bohemian vibe that suited her so well, and showed off her long, toned legs. Her dark hair cascaded down her back in waves, and she wore minimal makeup that only enhanced her natural beauty.

She jumped into the car and Jackson leaned over to kiss her. ‘You look beautiful, baby.’ He said, and she blushed.

‘Thank you Jack, you don’t look too hard on the eyes either!’ She joked, and he placed his hand on her cheek and gave her another kiss.

‘I have big news!’ He said excitedly, and began telling her about the invitation he had extended to the Blood Crescent Pack.

‘Oh Jack! That’s amazing! You are being so good to them!’ She exclaimed, before going quiet and drifting into her thoughts.

‘Have I lost you?’ Jackson giggled.

‘How did they take it? I mean there must be some push back?’ She finally asked

‘Yeah, Alpha Caleb is all for it. Remi wasn’t so keen, but your father knows what’s best for his pack. He will tell them as an Alpha’s order, and once they are all there for a while they will realise it’s for the best.’ He said nonchalantly.

‘Wait, rewind,’ asked Abigail, confused. ‘What’s an Alpha’s order?’

‘It’s an order given by an Alpha that their pack cannot refuse. The pack is compelled to comply.’ He responded.

Abigail gasped, and the look on her face was not one that Jackson recognised from her.

‘So they have no choice in the matter?’ She asked.

‘Yeah, well, uh,’ Jackson was trying to find the right words to explain it, seeing as Abigail was clearly not impressed. ‘Yeah they can refuse if it’s something they really don’t want.’ He finally said.

‘Then what? What happens if they refuse an Alpha’s order?’ She asked, he eyes wide and accusing.

‘They, they get kicked out of the pack and become rogues.’ He said, his head hanging low and him suddenly feeling ashamed, which he didn’t understand.

‘Jackson this is not the way to build trust. If we want them to integrate, it cannot be on your terms only. They have their own thoughts and feelings and their trust has to be earned, not forced!’ She said, crossing her arms and turning her body away from Jackson, looking out the window.

If she had been anyone else, he would have argued that this is how werewolves run their packs, and it has been done for thousands of years. He would have berated her for turning away from him. But this was his mate, his Abigail, and her feelings came before anything.

‘Why would they want to stay? They are living in poverty!’ He finally said.

‘When it’s all you’ve known, it’s not that bad.’ Abigail mumbled, and Jackson felt guilty for taking his privilege for granted.

‘Take me there.’ She suddenly said.

‘What?’ Asked Jackson.

‘Take me to the Blood Crescent territory. I will speak to them. I’m their blood, and I know what it’s like to have nothing. Take me there and let me convince them without my father forcing them against their will.’ She said, sitting up straight and injecting some authority into her voice.

‘Okay Little Wolf.’ Said Jackson, making a U-turn and heading towards the woods.

They arrived at a space near the clearing, and got out of the car to walk the rest of the way, as Jackson had taken the car instead of the truck, and a low profile sports car would not do very well against the rocky and uneven ground.

They arrived at the campsite and cabins, where several ladies were bustling around, making food in large pots over a fire and laughing amongst themselves. Jackson’s presence was quickly noticed, and the site turned silent, staring at him and Abigail.

A little girl of about four or five ran out towards them, and her mother tried to chase after her, with fear in her eyes.

As she approached, both Jackson and Abigail dropped to their haunches, and little girl gave Jackson a hug.

‘Thank you for the food sir!’ She said sweetly, and Jackson’s eyes welled up, much to his own surprise.

‘You are welcome, little one.’ He said gently.

Her mother motioned the girl to return to her, but also gave Jackson a nod of thanks.

Jackson stood up again, and Alpha Caleb came out of one of the cabins, wondering why his pack had become so silent.

‘Alpha Jackson, and my dear daughter! To what do we owe this visit?’ He asked, confused but happy to see his daughter

‘Dad,’ Abigail said, leading Caleb out of earshot of the rest of the pack. ‘I don’t want you to order your pack to go to the Silvermoon pack house. I want them to make their own decision. I’d like to speak to them all and earn their trust.’ She said.

Her father looked at her quizzically. ‘Of course sweetheart, but they are going to be tough to convince. I want them to have a better life, but years of being stuck here has made them bitter and untrusting, and many of them are of the opinion that this life was forced on them by the Silvermoon pack.’ He said.

‘You are welcome to try, but if it doesn’t work, I will have no choice. As Alpha I have to do what’s best for my pack, even if they don’t agree at first.’ Caleb continued.

Abigail gave him a kiss on the cheek, and walked back to Jackson, hooking her arm in his and leading him to the woman whose daughter had approached him. The woman looked alarmed and clutched onto her daughter.

‘My name is Abigail.’ Abigail stated, holding out her hand. ‘I am Alpha Caleb’s daughter, and the mate of Alpha Jackson.’ She said, and the crowd which had gathered, of both wolves and women, gave their full attention to the conversation.

‘I’m Sheena,’ said the woman, reluctantly shaking Abigail’s hand. ‘And this is my daughter Snow.’

Abigail looked at Snow. ‘That’s a very pretty name, Snow.’ She dug around in her cardigan pocket and pulled out a lollipop. ‘I always have these in case I feel like something sweet, but I think you deserve it more.’ She said as she handed it to Snow, who shrieked with joy and and ripped the wrapper off, shoving the lollipop into her mouth.

‘Snow…’ said Sheena, prompting her.

‘Thank you Miss Alpha Girl.’ Said snow, prompting a laugh from a few of the crowd.

Abigail spoke more the Sheena, and then continued making her rounds around the site, speaking to everyone she could while Jackson followed suite. The aim was to show the lack that Jackson’s intentions were pure, and it was clear that they had been able to win over some of the pack.

Eventually, after having a brief conversation with Alpha Caleb, Jackson addressed the crowd.

‘Thank you for allowing us to speak to you. As we have said, you are all more than welcome to come and stay at the pack house. There is plenty of room, and you will have access to fresh water, food, healthcare, your children will have education… we will look after you. Those who want to remain are welcome to, and we will still assist with packages so that you do not suffer for your choices.’ He said.

Sheena stepped forward. ‘I want to come. Snow deserves better than to sleep on the ground and freeze at night.’ She said. Several others stepped forward in agreement. There were a few outliers who muttered amongst themselves, but it was still a majority who agreed.

‘When do we leave?’ Asked Snow, excited.

Jackson smiled. ‘How is tomorrow, little one? I think I have the perfect room for you and your mom.’