Courage of the Wolf

Chapter 10

I didn't say anything for a while, staring out the window while I debated the pros and cons with Hanna. I didn't want to just say no, not just because of Ray but also because we are supposed to be accepting of everyone.

'What do you think Hanna? It could be a good thing. We would have people already trained willing to help train our new members. And we would have somebody with at least some medical knowledge, until we find a doctor.'

'I agree, but they have to be willing to submit to us and accept us as their Alpha. And we need to start training as well. We can't defend our pack without more fighting practice.'

'I just figured you would handle the challenges. You know how to fight and you're very strong,' I said hopefully.

'Nice try Hope,' she says firmly, not even attempting to play. 'We have a lot of work to do with fighting in human form. And learning how to use our Alpha voice.'

I had never even thought about that aspect of being an Alpha. Huh, looks like I'm going to have to start buckling down after my birthday. Realizing my food was in front of me and getting cold made me realize how long I had been quiet.

"Listen Ray, invite the group who wants to go with us to meet us for my birthday run. We can talk more about it then. I want to make sure they understand exactly what this will entail. I may be Alpha but this isn't just my decision. Both of you have to agree as well. So I want both of you to think of anything you may want to ask them as well."

Ray broke out in a big smile while Mac looked like she was really concentrating on her food. I decided to speak with her at home about whatever was bugging her.

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

"Ok Mac, spill" I said without heat in my voice. It's 45 minutes later and we are both sitting on my bed pretending to do homework. "What is bugging you about the team and squad joining our pack?".

"Idk", she says with a shrug " I just don't like the idea of people who bullied us for years being part of our pack. How can anyone who's different feel safe living with bullies?".

She has a very valid point, which I completely understand. However, we want to be known as a good pack, one who doesn't discriminate.

"I completely understand what you're saying, but I need you to see my point as well. My first instinct was to tell Ray f**k no! But a lot of that original group split last year and most of them quit bothering us. So the least we can do is meet this group, go for a run, and see if they have genuinely changed. Are you willing to do that?" I am nervous, hoping that she is willing to give this group a chance.

"You know I'd do anything for you and Ray. I guess I just have some hard feelings I didn't realize I was holding on to. Time to pull up my big girl panties and quit holding on to the past." She smiles at me and then starts bouncing on my bed. "So, are you excited for your birthday?! I can't believe you're turning 19 already! You are getting so old!" she cackles as she says this.

"You are only 4 months younger you twit! And Ray turns 19 in 3 weeks!" I jump at her and start tickling her excessively. "Who's old now! Huh? Huh?" I'm yelling this at her when her mom comes in.

"Is this how you kids do homework nowadays? It looks way more fun than when I was in school" she says with a little snicker.

I start busting up laughing while Mac stutters out an explanation. As my laughter dies out I start thinking about what Mac had said. I admit, I have some concerns about who the people in this specific group are and if any were a part of the bullies who used to torture us unmercifully in junior high and our first 3 years of high school. I want to be forgiving, because as an Alpha I have to be impartial and just, but the mental, emotional, and physical torture we went through has stuck with us. I am pulled from my thoughts by a pillow being thrown in my face.

"What the hell Mac?" I yell as I fall off the bed. I was sitting crosslegged, with my back towards the side, and had jerked back when the pillow hit me. I'm sure it was comical to watch but that hurt! And that sheep in wolf's clothing is about to fall off the other side of the bed with how hard she is laughing. I sit up and glare at her, and tell Hanna to shut it. Damn wolf is in my head laughing at me as well.

"I...I'm so so..sor..sorry Ho..Ho..Ho," then she starts hiccuping.

"First you knock me off the bed and now you're calling me a hoe?! Some best friend you are!" I yell at her, trying my best not to laugh. I throw the pillow back at her. We both catch our breath than get as much homework done as we can before dinner. I was really glad we had talked about what was bothering her.