Courage of the Wolf

Chapter 13

As we lay waiting, I started thinking about the name of our new pack. We are thinking about maybe using a different name. Courageous Lupines doesn't roll off the tongue very easily. We need to try and think of something a little easier to say but still makes an impression. Hanna interrupts my thoughts.

'Hope hunny, we have our Betas and two of our warriors trying to ambush us. Should we acknowledge them?'

'No, let them think they are about to win' I said with a little smirk. I'm not worried because I know there is about 5 different spots that I can get through to get away. We stayed relaxed in the water, eyes mostly closed, looking like we were just sunbathing. We could feel the tension in the air as the group got ready to attack.

Mac and Ray came from the front and back, respectively. Our two warriors,

Denali and Chaska, came from the sides. They thought they had us boxed in but we knew better. Before they could get close enough to touch us we jumped up and started running right at Mac. We got close then swerved at the last minute to run right past her. We chuffed a laugh as we took off through the forest.

We ran through the forest, jumping and dodging our pack members and laughing as they constantly missed us. We made it back to the house and changed back to our human form, then sat down to wait for everyone else to appear.

"How about Cold Creek or Cold Springs for our new pack? I've heard it's frequently cold in Oregon."

"Those both sound great Hanna! Let's put it to a vote with the rest of the pack"

Mac and Ray were the first back after us, followed by the rest of the pack in two's and three's. We kept an eye on what position everyone came in at so we could see who needed more training for stamina. Speed is nice, but being able to hang for the long run is even better.

"Ok everyone, let's get dressed and have a quick meeting!", I hollered to make sure everyone heard me. Everyone quickly threw on their clothes, grabbed a drink, and then headed my direction. Having everyone's full attention on me was nerve-wracking and I started to sweat. Thankfully Sarif came to my rescue by mind-linking me some encouragement. I threw her a grateful smile then took a deep breath.

"Ok, so we had a pack name chosen, but it was a bit of a mouthful. So Hanna and I came up with a couple names we thought would suit our move. The names are Cold Creek and Cold Springs. Think on them over the weekend and we'll vote on them come Monday."

"Wait, I thought we agreed on Courageous Lupines? I came up with that name! It should at least be in the running!"

Ray is looking extremely disgruntled as he voices his complaints. Cory and Lindsey engulf him in a big hug, telling him to relax, it's ok. They all look so cute together. I just worry about what will happen when he finds his mate.

"Relax Ray, we can put Courageous Lupines in the mix. Knowing that you all heard that, now you just have to choose between the three names instead of two. On Monday I will collect everyone's votes and by Monday evening we will have our new pack name."

I spoke with confidence even as my insides were giving me hell from my nerves. 'Deep breath Hope. I'm here with you and we are so much stronger than you think. We can lead our pack to a better future.' I smiled inwardly as Hanna's words made me less nervous.

"Oh, one more thing guys," I smiled as everyone stopped to stare at me, "If you ever have any questions about our packs' plans, or even if you decide you don't want to leave your current pack, just let me, Mac, or Raymond know. There will be no hard feelings and we are always glad to explain our vision of this new pack."

All of a sudden there was clapping coming from the edge of the woods. Rafe and Sofiana were standing there giving exaggerated claps while smirking at us. The Alpha and Luna were there as well, but they were smiling proudly at me. I tipped my head in recognition, as one alpha to another, and smiled shyly.

"I told you Dad! They are plotting our murders so they can take over our pack! The spotted freak thinks she's some kind of alpha and for whatever reason these people are following her fat ass! They should all be executed for treason!"

Rafe was in rare form, almost bouncing with excitement at the thought of us being executed. He didn't notice at first all the growls aimed his way. The loudest being mine and the alpha's.

"If I recall right, I am still the Alpha of this pack and I alone can hand judgement down on my pack members. That being the case, I am sentencing Rafe Alvarez and Sofiana Duncan to two weeks of house chores. First thing tomorrow you will report to the head housekeeper and get your daily assignment. You will start before school and continue after. I better hear no bad reports about either of you slacking off or being rude to our employees. Do you understand?" He all but growled to them.

Rafe and Sofiana both looked at the Alpha like he was crazy. "Dad! You can't mean that! They are the ones betraying the pack, not us! Why are we being punished for their betrayal?" Rafe was whining like a little b***h while Sofiana cried. I was grinning like a fool as was Ray and Mac. The rest of our pack stood behind us with small smiles on their faces.

The Alpha looked at his son as his alpha, not his dad. "Do you ever question your Alpha? Especially in front of other pack members?" His aura was on as his wolf was close to the surface, pissed at being questioned.

"Sorry Alpha, it won't happen again. Since I have already brought it up, will you please explain your decision? I know you don't have to explain anything, and if you choose to not say anything more about it I will accept that." Rafe spoke with deference and kept his eyes down. Sofiana was looking at him with huge eyes, like she'd never seen him look so humble before.