A Beta's Determination

Life at the Packhouse

Elijah

"What do you mean she has a stipulation to the invitation?"

"She said she would go if her roommate and her "brother" can come too," Sam used the quote, unquote fingers.

"Sam, you know I am a man that gives everyone a chance in life ever since Julia came into mine. I don't know Lucy very well at all, I damn sure don't know her roommate or her brother, but if you think this is a good idea and will be a positive thing in the end, then I don't mind them tagging along. We need to meet them before we decide anything. Invite them over for dinner tonight. I will throw some stuff on the grill, and we can hang out by the fire; get to know them and see what they are all about."

"Sure thing, Elijah. I will text Lucy right now and let her know."

Sam pulled his phone from his pocket and began typing away. After a few seconds, it dinged, indicating Lucy must have gotten his message and replied back.

"She said that sounds perfect and asked if she needed to bring anything to dinner," Sam asked, looking up from his phone, waiting for Elijah to reply.

"She doesn't have to bring anything, she is a guest, but if Lucy feels the need, she can bring some red or white wine for all the ladies, including herself and her roommate. By the way, what are their names, Sam? You never told me who they are."

"Her roommate's name is Gabriella, Gabby for short, and her brother is Jonas. They both work at The Celestials and were there the night we went out. Gabby was the waitress that helped Lucy clean up the mess I made. Jonas, believe it or not, is the bartender and the owner of the club."

"Hold up, he is a werebear; how the hell is he Lucy's brother?" 

"Long story, I'll let her explain it to you; not my place to say," Sam scratched the back of his head.

I merely had minimal contact with Gabby and Jonas the night we went out to the club, but I vaguely remember who they are. They seemed okay people, and I am not prejudiced by any means. I have different types of supernaturals that live on the pack, so Jonas being a werebear was not a problem. He is a big son of a b***h, and it wouldn't hurt to befriend and get acquainted more with werebears. After all, they are great allies to have if ever in war.

"Elijah, if it's any consolation, I think Lucy seems pretty cool and down to Earth. At first, I thought she was out to steal my mate, but just from talking to her on facetime, she appears to be really mature and has morals," Colleen spoke up, shrugging her shoulders.

"Thanks for your input, Colleen, but you know how I am with strangers," I replied with a friendly smile.

"I know, Elijah. Though I don't know if you see it or not, the Luna has changed you so much since she came here; for the better, of course. You're not the same cold-hearted d**k head you used to be, and you have opened up to the possibilities and friendships with different supernaturals. I just wanted you to know that" Colleen smiled all giddy, squinting her little eyes at me like a kid in a candy store.

"Thanks, Col. It's good to know you think I am a d**k head," half-heartedly smiling, shaking my head.

"I said used to be, past tense. You're not anymore. Don't get me wrong, I love you to death, not only cause you're my Alpha but like a big brother, and I am straight up honest with you, you know this. I am sure there have been times where I am a complete b***h, and I expect you to call me out on my bullshit. So, see, regardless of ranks, in the end, we are all one big family when it comes down to it, and we are all honest with each other about things we like about that person or don't like."

Colleen was right, even though she did remind me so much of my younger sister, Evie.

"Colleen, you're right. I appreciate all of you, not just the ranked ones, but the entire pack itself. Without you all, I wouldn't be the leader and Alpha I am today. Julia has grounded me a lot since she came into my life, and I knew she was what was missing in it to help complete me. I take all of your words and thoughts into consideration and expect each and every one of you to call me on my "bullshit," as you say, any time of any day, especially if it is for the benefit of the pack or someone else involved."

"Well, if you will excuse me, I need to go see Julia and inform her of the dinner and newcomers we are having over." 

I got up from my desk; Sam and Colleen followed suit and made our way out of the office.

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

Colleen

"I hope this goes well tonight, Sam. I mean, I love meeting new people."

I was so nervous for some reason, why I don't know. I have met plenty of people in my lifetime; meeting them was no different from before. Maybe it was just the fact it was someone I thought I was going to have issues with because of Sam, and it gave me the thrill and excitement of beating a bitches ass.

"It's going to go great. Do we have all our things packed for next weekend? It will be here before we know," Sam held my hands, kissing the tops of them.

"Yes, love. I have everything packed, including my new pair of ski boots I bought the other day when the ladies and I went shopping. We had to have new and warmer stuff for the mountains. I am so excited, babe. I can't wait to sit in the hot tub and enjoy the view of the snowcapped mountains while sipping on some hot cocoa with my man."

I wasn't going to lie; I was excited, beyond actually. I have never been to the mountains, neither had Sam, so this was like a fresh start with a very first new experience for the both of us. I feel bad because Serenity or any of the other pups were not going. As much as we do for our children, we need a break from parenthood, if only for a few days. 

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

Julia

"Babe, I love meeting new people. Who are they? Where are they from? When will they be here? I need to start getting things ready for tonight," I excitedly stated, causing Elijah to get frustrated with me. 

Elijah knew when it came to having guests on our territory, I was eery at first, due to past situations, but I was more than welcoming to show our pack off and how friendly and family-oriented we are. I wanted to introduce myself as a strong, supporting Luna and worked very hard to be just that for our pack.

"Calm down, baby. I know just as much as you do about them. Although I have met them, not formerly, we still have to be the Alpha and Luna we are and not let our minds know new people and befriending them right off the bat cloud our judgment. Lucy seems pretty cool and mature from the little bit I talked to her at the club. As for the other two, I haven't talked to them. From what Sam has said about them, Gabby is a wolf, and Jonas is a full-blooded bear. You know I don't have issues with bears; hell Rex is half-bear and mated to my sister, for Goddess sake, so having another on the territory is nothing new."

Elijah was right. I had a tendency to get a little too excited when it came to new people, but I just couldn't help my self, and if Sam's idea did come into play and turn out Connor is Lucy's mate, it would make things ten times better in our family and pack life. Connor's pack is not only our brothering pack; Connor is also Elijah's cousin, making Lucy family.

" I am going to link the others and let them know of tonight's plans so they can get their priorities in check."

"Okay, love. I am going to go lay Olivia down for a nap, she's been so whiney lately, and I am not sure why. I think she cutting more teeth."

I gave Elijah a deep kiss, left and made my way to the playroom.

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

Sam

Sam, I linked Christian and the others to let them know about tonight.

Can you ensure we have enough food for everyone? I know how bears eat, and with us being wolves, I wouldn't be surprised if we ate everything in the kitchen in one sitting.

Yes, Alpha. I already sent Mrs. Jones to the store to gather more groceries. We have plenty of food, calm down.

I couldn't help but laugh at Elijah's concern over food. I mean, does he not realize we eat a lot anyway because we are wolves. Mrs. Jones is smart enough to know that. She has run that kitchen since she became the head staff Omega. Sometimes I wonder if Elijah thinks before he says things. Who am I kidding? That's a big hell no, I thought.

Colleen was upstairs tending to Serenity and making sure we had all our suitcases packed again for the hundredth time. Meanwhile, I decided to take the time to go see Lucius and Maria. I haven't talked to them in a while since the babies were born and needed some catching up. He had spent most of his time being the proper mate that he has been and helping with the baby duties, letting Maria have some time for herself. She had a very rough pregnancy and birth and almost died, so I think Lucius thinks that's karma's way of getting back at him for all the f****d up s**t he's done in his past and showing him not to take his family for granted.

"Hey man, how's the new parent life going for you?"

"It's going. I think I have got this diaper changing thing down pat, but I can't seem to figure this thing out, and I am about a second away from ripping it to shreds," Lucius states in frustration, holding up a baby Bjorn.

"Here, man, let me show you," I replied, taking it from his hands and uncrumpling it to show him how to correctly put it on.

"If you get that thing on, I swear I am going to kick your ass in training first thing tomorrow morning. I have been fighting this thing for an hour now, for some ungodly reason, Maria insists I wear it when I have the girls with me. I don't see why I can't just put them in a stroller and be done with it. She says it gives them the comfort of the father-daughter bond. Hell, I bond with them more than I have with Maria the past few months; it's not like they are not going to grow out of this thing come next month."

I could see the frustration and lack of sleep in Lucius's eyes and couldn't help but chuckle yet feel sorry for him at the same time. All first-time parents went through this stage, but it eventually gets better.

"Look, if you want, Colleen and I will take the girls for a few hours one day this week so you and Maria can have some quality time," I told him, patting him on the shoulder.

"You're the best. We haven't even got to mate since the girls were born, and I am one step away from humping that tree over there just to get a release," Lucius pointed to the old oak tree in their front yard.

"Yeah, I don't think that would be a good idea unless you want to be picking splinters out of your d**k for a week," laughing at his comment.

"But for real, you two don't mind watching them for a little while?"

"Nah, man, besides, did you forget, I may have another little girl out there, so the more, the merrier."

"Oh yeah. I almost forgot about that. How's that situation going for you?"

Lucius handed me another beer from the cooler beside us as I began to go into more detail on the possible baby daddy drama with him.

"Damn. At least Colleen has come around, is now accepting the possibility of becoming a step-mom and helping raise another child. If something like that was to happen to me, especially right now, with how Maria is back and forth with her mood swings, she would probably cut my d**k off and mail it to the poor girl."

"That's harsh, dude. I have been where you are; it gets better with time. Give her a couple of more months, and everything will be back to the way it was when you two first found each other; well, for the most part, anyway. Add in the two extra little ones you two have to keep alive and raise, and you have yourself a hell of a family. You are always going to have ups and downs, but working together as a team is what makes you or breaks you."

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

Colleen

Dinner time was approaching little by little before I knew it, it was 5:00 pm. You could smell the freshly cooked dinner rolls with the buttery glaze spread across the tops of them so elegantly. I was starving and didn't know how much longer we would have to wait for our guests to arrive. 

"Colleen, stay out of the rolls," Julia stared at me with her stern playful expression, as I slipped the buttery deliciousness from the platter.

"Julia, I am starving. I am tempted to eat my arm off at this very moment. How much longer until the food is finished?"

"Elijah is beginning to take the meat that is done off the grill, but the rest still has a little ways to go. Not too much longer, you can hold out until then."

"Uggh.. that is so not fair, Jules. Hope gets to eat," I stated, pouting.

"Hope is also four months pregnant too. She has an excuse, so quit pouting like my two-year-olds. You're acting worse than they do on a bad day."

Julia continued helping the kitchen Omegas with the rest of the preparation as I sat and took such tiny bites of my roll ever, trying to savor the warm buttery bread melting in my mouth.

"Why don't you go see if Cat and Evie need help with the outside decor? We almost have the rest of the Christmas lights up and need to start on the garland and the yard ornaments. It shouldn't take long; by the time you are finished, all the food should be ready and the guests arriving," Julia smiled, waving a mixing spoon in her hand as she spoke.

I stood up and made my way out back to find the other ladies out by the gazebo in the yard. They were laughing about something, making Cat stomp off towards the house, "What is her deal?" I asked the ladies, pulling a throw pillow into my lap to prop on.

"She is just mad because we made her laugh so hard she pissed her pants, then laughed even harder," Evie stated, laughing and wiping a tear out of her eye.

"What was so damn funny that it made her piss on herself?"

"Well, it started when we were all hanging out and just bullshitting around, then somehow men, babies, and labor got brought up. I told them all about when Julia and Cat went into labor simultaneously, leaving the only person around, Lucius, to deliver the babies. Talk about an experience never to forget, definitely scarring your pretty little mind," Evie bust out laughing.

"Oh, who the hell are you kidding; back then, Lucius was still a d**k head at times and is not even close to the person as he is now. He has come a long way since he was kidnapped," I replied.

"Yes, he has. So, anyway, as I was saying before, I was rudely interrupted," Evie looked directly at me, trying to use her serious expression.

"Cat was trying to tell everyone all the events that took place on that insane day and how Lucius was seconds away from having a heart attack; how Julia went all Luna mode on him and demanded him to suck it up, get down there, deliver the babies." Evie laughed so hard as she was trying to picture Lucius's facial expression and how terrified he was.

"I wish I could have been a fly on the wall. Well, for the comical events, anyway," I said, readjusting my position on one of the benches in the gazebo.

"They were for sure, one for the books," Cat replied, stepping inside with dry pants on, taking a seat between Soph and Cass.

"So, Colleen, we hear that we are having special company coming over for dinner tonight. Is that true?" Cass leaned in, trying to get me to go into details about it.

"Yes, Cass, it's true. Apparently, when all our mates went out for guy's night, they found a new club, The Celestials, and decided to give it a try. Sam met a she-wolf, Lucy, and somehow thought up some crazy matchmaking idea that she and Connor, Elijah's cousin, could be mates."

I could see the wheels turning in the audience before me as I told them about Sam meeting another female, primarily when we were split, and me not ripping his head off to pieces. 

"Don't get me wrong, ladies, I wanted to tear him to pieces at the mention of him and another female, but once he explained everything and I even got to meet her, well facetime, but still, I talked to her and really listened to her words; she sounds mature and has morals. She seems pretty cool from what I gather, and you ladies know how I about meeting new people; I will give her the benefit of the doubt and trust her until she breaks it. I told Sam that as long as she wasn't going to try to be all best friends with my mate, I didn't have a problem talking to her and getting to know her and even possibly becoming friends."

"Damn, girl," stated Cass.

"s**t," Evie replied.

"So, who are these other two characters coming with her? Evan said one is her roommate and the other is Lucy's brother, a werebear; which I am still confused on that part unless they have a blended family or something of that sort," Sophia said nonchalantly.

"Yes, Gabriella and Jonas. Gabby is her roommate, Jonas is like a brother to the both of them, but more towards Lucy than Gabby. Something about Lucy thinks Gabby is Jonas's partner. I don't know the details, but I am sure we will find out."

"This feels like an episode of Days of Our Lives," Evie piped in.

"Come on bitches, we have some new people to meet. I'm sure the guys have finished cooking while we were supposed to be putting the Christmas decorations up, instead of out here flapping our gums with gossip."

"Jules is going to be pissed," Cat laughed as she got up with the rest of us, and we started walking back to the packhouse.

"She will get over it," Evie said, looking at all of us, making us all bust out laughing.