Courage of the Wolf

Chapter 4

Mac was quick to reassure me. "Of course I am coming with you! Creating a pack sounds wonderful but I'm concerned because none of us have Alpha blood."

Ray has yet to say anything. We both look at him but don't say anything. He sighs, "I will form a pack with you, and according to rumors I've heard your family is from an Alpha family. We'll have to see how strong your Alpha bloodline is."

I look at him, confused and a little pissed. "How did you hear about this and I didn't?" This could explain why Rafe's Alpha voice has no affect on me. "And how do we find out how strong my bloodline is?"

About that time the bell rings, saying we have 2 minutes to get to class. "s**t!" Mac mutters as she starts gathering up her lunch tray. "We will continue this after school. Ray, you may need to change your plans. This is important."

He growls at her while we leave the cafeteria. "I will meet up with you guys after I conduct my business. I am not missing this opportunity." He waves and runs down the hallway quickly, laughing.

"Ugh! Are we sure we want him in our pack?" Mac says jokingly.

"You would miss him if we left him behind" I laugh. We grabbed our books and headed to my favorite class, math. It was Mac's least favorite and she was always complaining about it. You would never know that she aces it every year.

"Let's get in there before we're late. The faster we go to our classes the faster the day will end." I smile at her, trying to cheer her up.

She rolls her eyes at me but still smiles. "Ok, let's get through this day!"

-----------------------------------------

Finally school let out and we quickly made our way to the parking lot. Mac has an old Chevy Impala that she absolutely adores. She texts Ray to make sure he had a ride and when he said he did we got in and left before my siblings could find us. Or worse, the future Alpha and Luna.

"What are we going to name our pack?" Mac asks as we drive towards the little town right outside our pack territory.

Our pack, Briar Ridge, is not big. There are around 200 members. We are located in northern California. There is a little human town right outside our border which is actually owned by our pack.

"I have been thinking about that. I want something that really expresses what our pack will symbolize for it's members."

As we quietly rode along, each in our own thoughts, Mac makes me jump as she yells "I've got it! We'll call ourselves Stranger Things Pack!"

She looks so serious that I am doing my best to not laugh out loud. I couldn't stop the big grin on my face though and she saw it as she glanced over at me while parking the car.

"What?" she asks, taking the keys out of the ignition and turning to look at me. "I watch the show and all those kids have something different about them, yet they persevere and come out great."

"Yes, I agree completely. Except we don't want to be known as strange or things" I respond with a giggle. "But I love the way you're thinking. Perseverance, courage, and acceptance are going to be big in our pack."

"We want to sound accepting yet strong. We don't want other packs trying to demolish us" Mac says seriously.

"Completely agree" I said while searching through the alarm clocks. I found one who's face was a smiling sun. I picked it up to look at the price. I started to put it back then thought, you know what? I deserve this. So I picked it back up and said, "Let's go to the diner. I'm going to need to buy dinner. It will be too late by the time I get home to cook."

We check out and walk a block down to the little diner I have been working weekends at for the last 3 years. I am greeted by the waitress and waved at by the cook. We find a booth and sit, only to see Rafe and Sofiana enter, followed by their group of friends.

"Really?" I look at Mac and roll my eyes. " They aren't happy with ruining my day at school but they have to show up here of all places?"

Before Mac could respond Juli, our waitress, popped up with a smile. I placed a to-go order for dinner and we ordered shakes and bacon burgers. We chatted about names for our pack while I surreptitiously kept an eye on the future Alpha and his group. As our food is delivered I see Rafe grin and whisper to his group.

'Don't look now Mac but we got trouble heading our way.' I mind link her so we can be prepared. 'Just don't say anything smart please ' she begs me. I just roll my eyes.