The Lost Son.

Chapter 12

Standing in the mouth of a dark cave was a white wolf. The wolf was absolutely beautiful with snow white fur and bright green eyes that seem to glow in the blackness of the cave. The wolf just stood there looking out at a large black wolf that stood on the top of a hill a few hundred yards away. The large black wolf was as dark as the blackest sky with bright blue glowing eyes. The need for them to reach each other was absolutely over whelming, but no matter how they tried neither of them could get anywhere near the other... Then everything fizzled out.

Alex sat up right of his cot. Again, the same dream, but last time it didn't fizzle out. That was weird, he sighed and reached over to find his watch. 4:15 am. ‘What a weird dream, and why am I waking up so early?’ he thought to himself. He knew he wouldn't be able to get back to sleep so he sauntered out of his tent and started another fire to make some coffee. Since I’m awake so early I can head into town and get a hot breakfast, he thought to himself as he sucked down the cup of black coffee and kicked dirt over the campfire before ducking back into his tent to change.

"I think I remember seeing a cafe in town," he sighed and climbed up in his truck to head to town.

Standing in the mouth of a dark cave was a white wolf. The wolf was absolutely beautiful with snow white fur and bright green eyes that seem to glow in the blackness of the cave. The wolf just stood there looking out at a large black wolf that stood on the top of a hill a few hundred yards away. The large black wolf was as dark as the blackest sky with bright blue glowing eyes. The need for them to reach each other was absolutely over whelming, but no matter how they tried neither of them could get anywhere near the other... BEEP BEEP BEEP

Emera was pulled out of the dream, she reached over and smacked the alarm clock that was loudly beeping on her night stand. 4:15am. She huffed, her wolf growled at her, she wanted to stay in the dream and get to that wolf.

"I know girl, I promise we will find him, someday," she mumbled to herself and got dressed for training with Grant this morning. She reached into the top drawer of her dresser and pulled out two power bars. Lesson number 1 she laughed to herself and headed to the toward the training area to meet Grant.

Along the way she decided to stop by the kitchen and check to see if Cookie was in yet. When she rounded the corner she noticed the old wolf just setting at a table with his head in his hands. She walked over and sat down at the table next to him.

"Everything okay Cookie?" She was worried that he didn't like the new dishwasher. She thought that it was pretty cool and had checked in on Ernest and Grant before heading to bed last night. They had been running loads through to make sure it was working. Ernest had said it was running perfectly and she decided to put a big red bow on it.

She had been excited about the dishwasher, but now, looking at Cookie she was starting to wonder if she had made a big mistake. She noticed that he hadn't made coffee yet and decided to get up and start it since he still hadn't said anything. When it was done she brought herself and him a cup and sat back down at the table. She slid the cup across the table to him and waited until he was ready to talk.

"I had asked your father and then later Vandalen if they would get me one of those and neither of them ever did. They told me it was pointless and I just needed to do my job myself. But as an older wolf it’s been getting harder and harder to say the least. I had already decided I wouldn't even ask you to get me one because I figured you would have said the same thing." Cookie spoke quietly and never looked up at her. Emera sat there and her heart went out to him, she didn't even know he had wanted one.

"As you know Cookie, I am not like a normal alpha," she grinned. Cookie nodded at her statement, " So I take it that you like it?" The old wolf smiled at her.

"Very much so. Thank you Emera you are by far the best alpha I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in a pack with." Emera couldn't help it and she started to tear up. She loved it when her pack members told her she was a wonderful alpha. Sometimes she doubted herself, and a compliment like that meant a lot coming from Cookie. He had been through at least four alphas, that she knew of and had come to her father when he was 25 or so after being banished from his former pack. Something about a human girl he had fallen in love with.

Emera gave Cookie a hug and thanked him. Then explained she had to go and needed him to look over a 'helper chart' that she had made for the kitchen before the meeting after breakfast.

"I'll meet you in the office at 6:30", she ran out of the kitchen to the training area were Grant was standing.

"I'll race you around the pack house," Emera said and took off leaving Grant still trying to figure out what was going on. Soon he had caught up to her and they ran neck in neck the whole way. She could sense he wasn't running full speed like she hoped he would, but then again neither was she. They never wanted to beat the alpha, all except Ryan, he never took it easy on her, she would either win or not by her own abilities. To be a part of the Elites she needed him to be willing to beat her, or at least try to. She required then to practice at their full abilities not just a partial of them. There was a lot of work to do with Grant, but she had started at the ground with herself and everyone else. Of course everyone’s wolf was strong and agile but Emera believed that the human side needed just as much training if not more, that is why she had her whole pack out training for at least an hour a day. They rounded the corner of the house and ended back in the training area.

"Okay now were going to do more of a testing to see where you are in your training and abilities." Grant grunted and signaled to let her know he was ready.

"Then we start with pushups, then we will move on to sit-ups, pull ups and then some sparring." Emera knelt down on the ground and Grant followed her, "Okay, we will go until we drop." They both began their pushups.

Down, up One... down, up Two.... Emera counted them as they continued.

"45, 46, 47, 48," she looked over at Grant who as starting to huff and puff, " 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54." All of the sudden Grant dropped. She smiled to herself and dropped down next to him. Not too bad, she thought to herself and jumped to her feet.

"Okay flip over, sit-ups," she grinned when Grant whined, “same deal as before." They both started and she counted as they went.

"One, Two, Three," she kept counting until Grant again collapsed, "55, hey at least it consistent," she laid down next to him and let him rest a bit longer. When he had finally caught his breath she jumped to her feet and held out her hand to him and helped him up.

"Pull ups," she grinned and yanked him to his feet. They quickly headed to the pull up bars and stood under them. "Same drill as before, " she grinned and jumped the two feet up to the bar. Grant jumped up next to her and hung. "Let’s go." They started and Emera kept count as they went.

"One, two, three,” she counted and continues in time with Grant until he again dropped, and feel into a crumpled heap on the ground under the pull up bar. Emera hung for a few seconds and then gracefully landed on her feet below the bar.

She let him rest for a few minutes longer then the last time and then headed toward the middle of the field.

"Well, get up. It’s time to see what you are really made of," she smiled and waited for him. Now she needed to see what he was made of. Would he spare with the alpha or not? All the other members of the Elites would spare with her, but the only one who showed no reserve and went all out with her was Ryan. He wasn't afraid to 'hurt' the alpha, even though they were pretty evenly matched. Where he excelled she was weaker and where he was weaker she excelled. Now she needed to see what Grant would do.

She took him by surprise when she was turned and ran toward him at full speed then jumped on him. He stumbled and then let out a growl. Reaching up he grabbed her head and neck then with a ferousity that surprised her he flung her hard into the ground. The wind left her lungs, she had not been expecting that. She looked up at him and the look of terror on his face was genuine. She had him caught, she let out a snort and rocked herself back then pushed off into a handstand and flipped back to her feet. Grant was still in a daze when she threw a punch, landing square on his jaw knocking him out of it. He staggered backward a few steps then jumped forward to grab Emera. She moved out of the way of his body and caught his arm, spinning him around.

He caught his footing, feeling slightly embarrassed and stopped long enough to study the alpha. Emera just watched him from a few steps away. After a minute she decided to make an advancement more like the training sessions she had designed for the other members of her pack. Right punch, left punch, knee, side kick, all of which he deflected with ease, returning with his own punches and kicks.

After about another half hour of sparring she called it quits for the day.

"Go take a shower and get some breakfast, I'll see you at the pack meet in a couple of hours,” Grant nodded, happy to be heading back to his barrack for a shower. He was still trying to catch his breath as he ran off around the pack house leaving Emera standing in the middle of the field. She took a mental note and off where he was at in his training and just how much more he was going to need to do. She quickly headed to her room and did the same as Grant.

She finished her shower, changed and then grabbed breakfast before taking it back to her office were she found Cookie waiting for her. They went into the room and Emera grabbed the schedule from the desk for Cookie to look at. He sat down in one of the chairs and took a few minutes to look over the chart before handing it back to her. They made a few changes to the schedule before agreeing that it was good. Cookie then went back to the kitchen to clean up before the pack meeting. Emera did a few more things in the office before grabbing a few papers, including the kitchen chart before heading toward the meeting hall. It was about 7:30 now, everyone should be starting to gather about now. The meeting was set to start at around 8.

When she got there Ryan walked over to her and asked about her training session with Grant. Well they waited for the rest of the pack to show up she told him about how the session had gone. When the last of the pack members finally sat down in the chairs she stood up to get the meeting started.

"Okay everyone, let’s get this going, I know everyone has stuff they want to do." The girls all giggled in excitement, "As everyone knows I am sending any female who would like to go into town to get new clothes today." The girls cheered and the males let out growls to voice their disapproval. "I know you all hate the idea of a bunch of your females alone around a bunch of unknown people but I give you my word everyone will be safe. I am sending Ryan, Victor, Brian and Grant with them." The males all let out a breath and laughed when they looked over at Grant with his wide eyes and wide open mouth. He was in shock, Ryan reached over and put his arm over the young wolfs shoulders.

"You must have impressed her," he whispered to him. Grant smiled but was still shocked that the alpha would allow him anywhere near town after the last time. 'It must be a test', he thought to himself. After everyone quieted back down Emera started again.

"Tomorrow is going to be a test on everyone’s patience and self-control, we will be having a lot of 'company'. If anyone at any time fells like they are losing control, I want you to find myself or Ryan. We will also have another training session setup to help release some extra testosterone. Our mandatory training will also start up again tomorrow. I have clearly outlined all pack rules for every visiting wolf if anyone has any problems with any of them find me and I will deal with it effectively. I want everyone to trust me as your alpha to keep you safe and protected. Everyone nodded, "I know we are all worried about what could happen, that is why we have moved unmated females into the pack house, they will be safe between myself and Ryan." The visual stress of the male pack members lessoned.

"School for the young wolfs will also start again tomorrow. We will also be extending it for another hour or two." The parents cheered in agreement and all the kids whined. "We will keep them as busy as possible the first couple of days, at least until we get a feel for the other wolfs. One more thing before we go. There is a new kitchen help chart, it will be posted on the wall outside of the kitchen, Cookie will need us all to pitch in also when you’re not busy. The chart has everyone seven and up that doesn't have another position, rotating through the kitchen on specified days and times. Check the chart and figure out when your expected to be there. Okay, also if anyone needs anything from town let one the guys going know, the vans leave in twenty minutes." She looked around the room and released the pack for the day.

All the vans were packed down and Emera laughed at the faces Grant was making from the passenger seat of one of the vans. Ryan, Brian and Victor walked over to her for final directions.

"It’s going to be a long day boys, but the stores already know that you are coming. Go ahead and pick up lunch for everyone when you are in town, just make sure your back by dinner. Pack run starts at the normal time." Victor and Brian nodded walking to their vans. Ryan stayed behind and watched them get in.

"You need anything Boss?"

"No I think I’m good," Emera huffed, "Thanks though, oh and keep an eye on Grant." Ryan nodded and climbed into his van. Emera could hear the squeals and giggles of all of the young girls as the vans drove down the drive way. She couldn't help but shake her head and laugh well she walked back into the house to start her long list for the day.

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Alex pulled into town and drove to the cafe, it was still early, going on 5. He just hoped that they were open. It had been awhile since he had had a real breakfast. He was in luck; 'Daisies' was open. Alex jumped out of the truck and walked toward the cafe door. He walked in and was greeted by a bubbly young waitress.

"Take a seat anywhere handsome!" she called out to him and Alex smiled back to her and pulled out a chair along the bar and sat down.

"Thanks... Missy," he said as she handed him a menu and a cup of hot coffee, he noticed her name tag when she walked over. She was about 5'3" with bleach blond hair, pulled into a high ponytail that’s swung when she walked. Her uniform was light pink and she had on a white apron that tide around her waist. It looked to be a little small for her but she smiled happily and greeted another customer. Alex had just picked out what he wanted when Missy bounded back over to him.

"What can we get going for you this morning?" Her voice floated over the counter to him. Alex looked up at her. Her brown eyes gazing at him like they were taking in a dream. He chuckled and shook his head.

"I'll take your ultimate breakfast, along with a glass of orange juice and an extra side of bacon," he smiled at her. She looked at him and giggled.

"Boy, you must be starving." He just laughed.

"I haven't had a real meal in quite a while," he smiled at her and she giggled. She put in his order with the cooks and then came back over to him.

"I haven't seen you around here before," her eyelashes fluttered and he couldn't help but grin at her.

"I just got into town and have been busy getting my new place together," he smiled and she looked at her and knew she was expecting more and then there was a ding in the distance and he was saved by the bell. Missy hurried away and came back a few seconds later with three trays of food. She sat down the food and refilled his cup of coffee, when she looked back up with a question she stopped in her tracks. His mouth was full of food and his eyes were closed in his enjoyment. She turned and walked away from him to go and tend to her other customers.

Alex enjoyed his breakfast, when he was done he looked up and he noticed that Missy had dropped the check off for himself. He paid the check quickly in cash and headed out before she could catch him and drag him back in. He then decided to head across the street and grab some laundry soap and other items that he needed. He grabbed a bottle of water, chips and a magazine then headed down the road to the laundry mat to wash his clothes. He paid for his items and then walked toward the window. He waved as Missy who was watching him with a smile plastered to her face across the road in the cafe window, wild waved at him. He chuckled and gave her a nod and walked up the street toward the laundry mat.

The laundry mat wasn't large and he quickly set to work loading the four washers with is clothes. After he started them he sat down by the window on one of the chairs and waited for them to finish. 45 minutes later his clothes were ready to go into the dryer. He got everything switched over and sat back down and waited for them to be done. Almost an hour later and a few restarts later his clothes were dry and piled on the table in the back of the room. He wanted to just throw them back in the bag but decided he would get himself a laundry hamper well he was in town then he would be able to keep them separate.

After he had his laundry folded and shoved back into his duffle bag he got ready to walk out of the building. Just as he walked out four big white vans drove past and parked along the road on either side of his truck. He couldn't help but get a little excited about the prospect of possible seeing the beautiful Emera again. He stopped and walked along and noticed about eight people jump out of each van along with the drivers.

'Wow, must be a field trip or something', he thought to himself. He noticed that all of them were women and girls, all but four of them at least. He stood in front of the laundry mat and watched them for a few minutes. It was almost as if the men were body guards of all of these women. They had eagle eyes on all of them. When they were all out of the vans they headed into the clothing store. He decided now to head back to his truck, he didn't see Emera in the group.

He tossed his bag into the backseat of the truck and when he closed the door he noticed Leanna standing outside with two of the men. She happened to look over at him and smiled. He smiled back and waved to her, that’s when the younger man turned around to see who she was waving at. He heard what sounded like a growl and then he grabbed her arm and pushed her into the open door of the clothes store. The other man looked over toward Alex curious, then waved and headed over to him.

"Hey!" Ryan smiled and stuck his hand out for Alex to shake, "I'm Ryan." Alex grabbed his hand and shook it.

"Hello, I’m Alex, it's a pleasure to meet you." Ryan nodded.

"Same here." Ryan could tell by his smell that he was the new neighbor, he hadn't met him yet but could remember the scent that first night when he, Travon and Emera had gone to investigate. He grinned, he could also tell why Emera was in such a good mood when she got back from town the other day.

"So what brings you to this part of the woods?" Ryan smiled at him.

"Oh, I just bought some property out here and am fixing it up," Alex held his gaze for a couple of seconds.

"Well..." he started then heard the door to the shop open and Grant stuck his head out and told him he was needed. A scream was heard from within the shop, then another and another. Alex was about ready to head toward the shop when Ryan held out a hand.

"Sorry, got to go," Ryan grinned and then ran into the store at a speed that seemed almost unhuman, disappearing. Alex heard a couple more screams and was just about to run in to help when the screaming stopped. The door opened and out walked a tall woman with long black hair. She was wearing black leather pants and a black tank top. Her eyes were an almost gold in color. She was quite beautiful and had a smirk on her face that showed what he could only imagine to be the tips of sharp incisors. He watched as she knelt down to the ground and opened her cupped hands. Out ran a little brown mouse. She just shook her head at how crazy the girls were. Alex smiled and nodded toward her when she stood up. Her eyes landed on him and she grinned and blushed, then turned around and ran back into the store.

Alex smiled to himself and turned back to his truck and jumped in, then drove across the road to the hardware store. He would also take the opportunity to go to the warehouse store too. He walked into the store still laughing about how the girls had screamed at a little mouse.

"Hey there Burt," the old man behind the counter looked over the book he had been reading at him.

"Well, hey there Mr. Alex," Burt grinned at him, "What can I help you with today?"

"Oh I think I underestimated the work involved out there and came in for a few more supplies."

Burt laughed and waved Alex over.

"Okay let me know what’s on the list and I'll let you know if we have it here." Alex quickly started rattling off his list. Chain saw, weed eater, lawn mower, a generator, water pump and pipping. Burt laughed at him.

"Oh and a couple gas cans," Alex finished.

"Underestimated would be an understatement," Burt grinned and caused Alex to chuckle and he shook his head.

"Well, lead me to it," he smiled at Burt and followed him through the store well they started collecting the items. He had almost everything at the store but the ride on lawn mower that Alex decided that he would rather have.

Alex payed for the items and tossed them in his truck. When he drove back by the front of the clothes store he noticed Leanna and three other women looking out at him giggling. He gave them his biggest grin and drove to the other end of town to the warehouse store.

Alex was on his way into the store when he noticed the same kid that had been with Leanna out in front of the clothes store walking out the other door with a cart full of supplies. Alex smiled and waved at him, when the kid noticed him instead of waving back he heard a long low growl. Alex jumped and turned away from him. He didn't quite understand what the kid’s problem was but the growl was almost dog like. Alex shook is off and decided it was just a jealous boyfriend thing, and walked into the store to look at the lawn mowers.

There were about 15 to choose from and he took his time looking. He decided to spoil himself and picked one that was a tractor style with all of the attachments and could haul a small trailer. He laughed to himself and went to check out some other stuff before leaving. He picked up a hamper and a laundry basket and decided to get a shade screen and tarp. He paid for everything then went to his truck and pulled it around to the front of the store to load up the lawn mower and trailer, it barely fit in the bed but after some finagling and laying the trailer over the top of the mower, he was finally ready to get going. One last stop, he thought to himself and drove up to the gas station attached to the store and filled up his truck and the gas cans he had got. He jumped into the truck and looked at the clock. He had made pretty good time, and if he hurried he could get home and finish cleaning up the clearing today, and burn everything off tonight.

Twenty minutes later he was pulling into his driveway, he parked by his tent and opened the back of the truck and readied it to get the mower down. After about 15 minutes he had it down and the rest of the truck unloaded.

"I'm going to need a garage now," he laughed to himself and decided that he would just set the shade canopy up over the top of the makeshift table he had with all the other tools and stuff.

"Okay," he huffed, "let’s get this puppy going." He filled the tank up with gas and started the mower. It roared to life and he grinned and speed off in the direction of the lake. When he got away from the gravel rocks he lowered the blade and started the mower. He started mowing and slowly cleared the whole field and was happy to have found no big rocks or other obstacles around the area. It was turning out to be a great option for a new cabin and a garage. Thoughts of what he would do with the place filled his head.

"Tonight I should draw out my ideas," he thought to himself. He also took the opportunity and pulled out the stumps he had left from the trees yesterday. He already loved his new mower and kept himself busy the rest of the day mowing this or weeding that. He piled all of the cuts and clippings into the old cabin soon he was ready to burn. He rinsed off really quick and grabbed some of the lighter fluid he had gotten in town. The wood of the cabin was old so he wouldn't have to worry too much about it not going up in flames.

Just before dark he threw a match into the cabin. He just stood and watched it go up in flames. The dancing of the orange, yellow and red flames seductively drew his attention and he was unable to tear his eyes from it.