Courage of the Wolf

Chapter 11

"Burgers and dogs are done! Steaks and chicken are almost done! Get your munch on!"

"Dad! Can you sound more like a geek?!", Ray hollers over to his dad, who is managing the BBQ. He looks at Mac and I, rolling his eyes.

"Sorry guys. You know how parents are", he laughs while he apologizes. We of course think his Dad is a blast, and we immediately start teasing him.

All of a sudden I catch a scent. Hanna immediately tells me it's the team and the squad. Ray's smile got huge. Mac and I exchange looks, both frowning and rolling our eyes. Ray goes and greets Cory and Lindsey, kissing both of them. Then he greets the rest of the group.

"I thought they were only coming for the run?" Mac asks as we both paste on a smile and turn around to face the group.

"I thought so too, but they are already here so let's make the best of it. Let's try and separate them and start asking some questions. We need to see if they will fit with us. Remember to keep your mind open."

"Um, I think I know what to do," my bestie answers and sticks her tongue out at me. I immediately try and grab it as she dodges away from my hand. "Stay away from my tongue!"

"b***h keep it in your mouth then!" I yell at her while cracking up. I glance up to see the team watching us and the squad smiling. Ray, Cory, and Lindsey are no where in site. "Let's go greet our guests."

"Do we gotta?!" Mac says in an extremely whiny voice. I laugh at her and grab her hand, tugging her along behind me.

"Hey guys, thanks for coming to my birthday party s***h BBQ" I greet them quietly. I was still very unsure about having them in the pack.

" Before we relax, eat, and go for a run I would like to let you all know what I expect in this new pack. As you know, I will be the Alpha of the pack. Ray and Mac are my Beta's. As the pack grows we will choose the rest of the leaders. Are there any questions right now?" I say all this with complete confidence in my voice while my insides are shaking.

They shake their heads no as we all just kinda stare at each other. Finally I sighed and said "Let's all just relax and get to know each other. Get to mingling!"

"We have been in the same class for years but we don't really know each other. We know how you guys felt about us in the past, so how do we know you don't still feel that way?" Mac asks with a little attitude.

I stare at Mac in shock. I am about to chew her out when Takoda started speaking. "We are very sorry for going along with the crowd when they were being mean. We were wrong and we know it. I know there is no way to make up for what we said and did, but we would appreciate a second chance. Not just to join the pack, but to also become different people. We don't like who we are when we hang out with Rafe and the others. And he will be Alpha at some point and we do not desire to be here when that happens."

Mac and I both stare at him in complete shock, our mouths open. We have never, not in all the years we went to school with him, heard him speak so much at one time. Before I can collect my thoughts Shayan starts to speak.

"We know this pack is for the abused and disabled but we really do fit. Every one of us has been either mentally, physically, or sexually abused. Sometimes more than one. We are only asking for a chance to prove ourselves. We can all be useful."

After such impassioned speeches I knew I could never tell them no. I linked Mac and Ray, telling them both my vote is to let them join.

"Let's go get some food before Ray eats it all," I say with a smile. I watch the group relax and start mingling with our family. I think it's only fair to give them a chance with us. I can't start an inclusive pack by excluding people.

I have to pull my eyes off Takoda to look around the rest of the group. It's hard because I've always had a bit of a crush on him. He's tall, almost 7 ft, with a large muscular build, buzz cut, quiet, serious, with brown eyes that had slight silvery tones. He is so handsome my mouth is watering. I watch as Chaska and Chuptae goof around, trying to pull Takoda into their silly ways. Chaska is about 6 and a half feet tall, with a muscular runner's build, light grey eyes, dark tanned skin, and a long black braid. Chuptae is the jokester. He has a medium build, red hair that is spiky on top, and sky blue eyes. The Team consisted of three more guys. Ukiah is the youngest. He just turned 18 about a month ago. I would worry that he hasn't had time to find his fated mate, but he has. Unfortunately, he's an Omega and she feels like she deserves a Beta or Alpha so she rejected him. He's a little cutie, with a small build, tan skin, sandy blonde hair, and burnt umber eyes. He's hoping to find a second chance mate. I'm hoping he gets one as well. He deserves it. Then there's Nashua. He has a bigger build, muscular, cinnamon brown eyes, long hair with multiple braids, and a sweet personality. And finally there is Zuni. His hair is Osiris colored (kind of a light violet and silver mix), with short, shaved sides. He has bright pink eyes, is tall and slender, and has fae heritage. I know Zuni wants to go because he doesn't get along with Rafe. Rafe hates that he's not pure. Speaking of Rafe...

"I always love a good party! Hope! I hear it's your birthday! I can't believe I almost missed your party!" Rafe exclaims with a sardonic smile.