Joining the Alpha's Pack

Chapter 19

    Once Ara and Peter were in their room, she sank down on the side of their bed, her body shaking. Peter walked over to her, sitting beside her. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. " For a minute there, I thought your clan was going to attack us." Peter said. Ara sighed in exhaustion. " They were." she said softly. Peter was taken aback by her answer although he didn't know why, he was expecting the clan to attack as soon as they saw them. A knock sounded and Scott came in along with the others. " If someone had told me a years ago that vampire existed and that I would meet so many at one time, I would have thought they were crazy." Parrish said shaking his head. No one laughed or smiled. The situation they were in was too serious. Chris had been studying the carving on the wall, taking pictures with his phone. With a sigh, he turned around and looked straight at Ara. " I don't know anything about vampires but I am assuming it isn't the norm to be going toe to toe with the clan leader." He said and Ara shook her head. " No, unlike wolves, there is no democracy within the clan. Scott is one of a kind, he asks for everyone's opinion so he can make an informed decision. Vampire clans aren't like that. What the clan leader says is law and anyone who disobeys is punished or killed." Ara told them.

" But you challenged, the clan leader, your uncle." Lydia said in surprise. Ara nodded and everyone looked at her. Just now realizing the implications of what she'd done. " You would have fought your clan." Chris said. Ara's eyes filled with tears. She loved her clan but she loved Scott's pack too. They had become her family. " I would have killed them all to keep you safe!" she said solemnly. By this time Ara and Peter were standing. Everyone gathered around Ara, wrapping their arms around her in a big group hug. Talon and Drago watched the group on a hidden camera thoughtfully. Scott's pack was so different from every other pack, he'd come across. Talon had watched the werewolves for a long time from the shadows. This was the first pack that he was aware of that accepted other species without prejudice. Scott and his pack truly loved and accepted Ara into their fold and she clearly loved them as well. " I respect them. They are honest and they treat my sister well." Drago said. " mmm" Talon said acknowledging him. " I think it's time we step out of the shadows. Times are changing and if Scott's pack can accept us so willingly, maybe others will as well." Talon said.

Ara and the group ended up staying with the clan for the weekend. In that time, Ara's clan got to know Scott and his people. They all got along surprisingly well. Even Chris had been accepted. The clan had never encountered a Hunter like him before. Peter was sitting at the table watching Ara smiling as she spent some time with Lena and Drago when Talon approached him and sat down beside him. " I know of your reputation Peter. You are cruel, ruthless and willing to make the hard decisions to protect your people. I used to believe that you didn't have a conscience, that you cared for no one but yourself." Talon said as though he were talking about the weather. Peter was taken aback. He was well known among werewolves but he didn't know that the vampire clans knew of him to. He turned his head to look at the man beside him. Peter saw the same traits in Talon. " I was wrong about the last assumption. You love. You love Scott though you may not admit it. You love your daughter and your pack. And, you love my niece. You will do anything to protect her. I can see it in your eyes." Talon said. Peter didn't even flinch. He nodded once.

Talon nodded with a smile. " Ara is strong but she is kind, welcoming. The goddess chose well when she paired Ara with you. I am glad she has you Peter, welcome to my family and my clan." Talon said. To say Peter was surprised was putting it mildly. When he met Ara's eyes across the room, she was smiling. Sunday evening it was time to leave. The entire clan gathered to bid them farewell. In a show of respect, Talon bowed his head at Scott and clasped his arm like the warriors of old. " Your pack is always welcome here Scott. If you ever have need, call." Talon said and then unexpectedly turned to Chris, hugging him. Over the past couple of days Talon and Chris talked a lot. Chris had gotten way more about vampire history than he could from Ara as Talon was much much older and the two had become friends of a sort. Ara couldn't stop her tears of happiness as she hugged Drago, Lena and her uncle. " I will send word of the council's decision soon." Talon said before the group left.