Saturday, May 10, 2014

Chapter 14 - Like Vultures with bad manners


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The training room was filled with anxious Pack members at 7:50 AM, none of them wanting to be late.  The youngsters under the age of fifteen were in the observation room with the sound turned off so they were unable to hear and when The Tribunal commenced the curtains would be drawn.  In the middle of the training room, sitting at three tables were the Martin, Hammond and Mendez families, facing them was a table with four chairs and off to the side The Elders sat in chairs.  Dante and the Italians were sitting on the bleachers off to the side, so they could observe but wouldn’t disrupt the proceedings.

At 7:58, Carlo, Gina, Anthony, Sophia, Frank and Joe walked out of one of the smaller training rooms without glancing at the assembled Pack members.  Frank walked to the observation room speaking quietly before drawing the curtains and pulling the door closed. Carlo, Gina, Anthony and Sophia took their seats at the head table with Carlo and Anthony taking the center seats, their mates at their sides; Frank stood on the right and Joe on the left.   

At exactly 8 AM, Carlo stood and said, “I call for this Tribunal to come to order.  The charges brought against Victoria Martin, Daisy Hammond and Jade Mendez are as follows:  betraying the future Madame Alpha, betraying the Alpha-Heir and betraying the Pack.  According to South Mountain Pack law, the evidence will be brought forth and presented then you will be given a chance to defend yourself.  After listening to the testimony The Elders will decide on your innocence or guilt; if found guilty, I will decide punishment which may range from loss of privileges to banishment from the Pack.  We will start now with the evidence against you.”   

Daisy and Jade started to cry while Victoria looked defiant as Paulo came forward and after hitting a few buttons on his laptop, the phone calls from Victoria to the TV station were shown on a projection screen followed by the emails sent from Daisy and Jade which confirmed Anthony’s relationship with Victoria.  Hearing gasps from the Pack members, Carlo shouted, “QUIET.”  Paulo then showed the emails from Victoria which said she and Anthony had been romantically involved for months, how happy they were and how thrilled their families were. Next, the attachments to the emails were shown: pictures of her fifteenth birthday with her and Anthony standing close; Anthony and her brothers laughing together at football practice; her and Gina together at a Pack function; and the last set of pictures were labeled ‘Please use these pictures when discussing me or my family on air.’  They were professional photographs that Senator Martin had recently done for his newest campaign showing the family in various ‘casual’ and ‘official’ settings.       

The next piece of evidence was provided by Anthony as he projected to those assembled Victoria’s behavior in the cafeteria from the time she first approached him until CJ apologized.  After he was finished, he looked to Sophia and held her hand tightly before projecting the next image…one in which Victoria had tried to kiss him at Rossi’s Grocery store and it showed him pushing her away, telling her that Sophia was his mate and he would never betray her, Victoria telling him that as a Senator’s daughter she was a much better mate than Sophia and that as soon as she turned eighteen she would be able to take care of his needs.  More gasps were heard but were quickly masked as Carlo looked at the Pack members.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, but I didn’t want you to have anything to worry about.  I was wrong and should have told you,” Anthony said to Sophia as he squeezed her hand. 

“I forgive you, but how would you feel if somebody tried to take me away from you?” Sophia asked gently as Anthony’s eyes turned amber and he let out a growl.  “From now on, we have to be open and honest with each other, no more secrets.”  Anthony nodded and returned to his seat.

“You have heard the evidence against them, now we will hear the defense of their actions.  Jade, you will go first,” Carlo said in a firm tone.

Jade, her parents Jeff and Jody and her brothers slowly stood up and tears were streaming down Jade’s face as she opened and closed her mouth several times.  Jeff leaned down and whispered, “Tell them the truth and tell them everything, just like we talked about last night and this morning Sweetheart.”  She nodded and took a deep breath as she felt her parents reach out and hold her hands. 

“Alpha Carlo, Madame Alpha Gina, Alpha-Heir Anthony and future Madame Alpha Sophia, the first thing I would like to say is I’m sorry for the part I played in betraying you.  I have no excuse and should have known better, I know what I did was wrong and hope you can forgive me,” she said in a low quivering voice.  “I really have no defense because I was thinking of myself and not my Pack or my family so I take full responsibility for my actions and I will accept any punishment that you deem appropriate Alpha Carlo.”

“Jade, your father said you were pressured into doing this.  Can you project the conversations you had to me, so I can send them to the other Pack members?” Carlo asked in a gentle yet firm voice.   

Jade lowered her head, closing her eyes as she projected the conversations she had with Daisy and Victoria.  Her thoughts were disjointed and the images jumped around and Carlo said, “Relax and concentrate Jade.”  She took a deep breath and felt her fathers strong arm around her shoulders, her mother squeeze her hand and her older brothers Jack, Josh, Jake and Joel put their hands on her back to calm her down even more.  She concentrated harder and the images became clearer.

Victoria telling Jade and Daisy if they didn’t help her that she would start rumors about them; that they were having relations with human boys, that they were disobeying their parents and Alpha by going out without protectors, and that she had found Jade and Daisy in a compromising position together.  After taking a deep breath she then projected the last conversation with the three girls; Her and Daisy begging Victoria not to interfere in Anthony and Sophia’s relationship, crying as Victoria wrote emails on their accounts and telling them to hit ‘send’ so she could say they had sent them and not her, and her threatening them again that she would disclose the rumors if they told on her.  After she was finished Jade let out a strangled sob as her father engulfed her in a hug, her brothers glaring angrily at Victoria who rolled her eyes and let out a big sigh. 

Frank drew in a deep breath and shifted his gaze to Clay Martin who had his head bowed and was staring at the table.  Sophia reached out for her father’s hand, needing the support of not only her mate, but also her father.  As soon as he felt her small hand touch his, he opened his clenched fist and held her hand, squeezing it reassuringly like he had done thousands of time since she was born.  

Carlo stared at Jade and her father Jeff and said in a gentle tone, “Is there anything else you would like to say?”

Jody handed her daughter a Kleenex and she blew her nose before nodding her head.  “I…I…just want to say how sorry I am, I knew it was wrong and I should have stood up to her.  The only excuse I have is I didn’t want my mate to think bad things about me, but I should have known he would believe me and not gossip.”

“Do you know who your mate is Jade?” asked Gina, closing the bond off to everyone but Jade and her mother.

“Yes, Madame Gina, its Reggie Benedetto,” Jade said quietly before she started to cry again.  “He hasn’t said more than hello to me in a year and after today I’m not sure he ever will.”

“Thank you for your honesty Jade, you may sit down,” said Carlo as his gaze shifted to the second table.  Daisy was crying silently into her father’s chest as he hugged her, her mother was quietly crying and her older brothers Jay, Thomas, Nicholas and Scott were standing behind her chair glaring angrily at Victoria.

“Daisy, do you have any additional information you would like to present?” Carlo asked gently.

Daisy stood up holding tightly to her parent’s hands, “I would like to say how sorry I am for allowing this to happen Alpha Carlo.  She had us convinced our lives would be ruined if we didn’t do what she wanted.  I admit I betrayed my future Madame Alpha, my future Alpha, you, Madame Gina, my Pack and my family but most of all I betrayed myself and my wolf.”  She took several deep breaths before continuing, “I will accept whatever punishment you decide for me Alpha Carlo.”  

Her father George whispered in her ear and she nodded, “The only additional information I have to present is what happened after Anthony was interviewed by the reporter.”  She then projected Victoria’s reaction to Carlo and gasps were once again heard from the Pack members.

“Thank you Daisy, you may sit down,” Carlo said in a gentle voice as he watched George settle his daughter on his lap as he rocked her back and forth while she cried.  Her brothers were on their knees as they tried to soothe their sister and their mother Laura was gently clearing the tears from her face.

All eyes moved to the third table where the Martin family sat.  CJ, Jeff and Greg were staring off into space, Clay was still staring at the table, Allison looked like she was about to cry and Victoria was examining her nails.  Carlo narrowed his eyes and said in a commanding voice, “Victoria, it is now your turn.”

Victoria sighed loudly and stood up, shrugging her shoulders as she said, “Yeah, I did it.”  She glared at Daisy and Jade before turning to Carlo and saying in a defiant tone, “Luna had to have made a mistake… obviously I’d make a better mate for Anthony than HER.  I have the social connections and status that an Alpha of this Pack needs, not HER.  I am the daughter of a Senator, and she is the daughter of a cabinet maker for Luna’s sake.  What does she bring to this mating that will benefit Anthony?  Absolutely nothing.  I will bring political influence and untold benefits.”

Sophia could feel her temper starting to boil, and felt both her mate and her father squeeze her hands.  She remembered her father’s words not to let her temper get the better of her and took a deep breath to maintain control.  “She’s wrong Arachide, with you I have everything,” Anthony said in a soothing voice.         

Carlo angrily said, “That’s the base of your defense?  That you’re a Senators daughter and have political influence?”  At her nod, he stood up and thundered, “LET ME MAKE ONE THING PERFECTLY CLEAR…YOUR FATHER IS A SENATOR BECAUSE I SAY HE IS A SENATOR, I HAVE MORE POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE THAN YOUR FATHER EVER WILL.  I CAN MAKE ONE PHONE CALL AND YOUR FATHERS POLITICAL CAREER WOULD BE OVER AND AFTER IT’S OVER NO ONE WOULD EVEN TAKE HIS PHONE CALLS.  EVERYTHING YOU HAVE IS BECAUSE I ALLOW YOU TO HAVE IT, I GAVE IT TO YOU AND I CAN TAKE IT AWAY JUST AS EASILY.”  The assembled pack members bared their necks to him in submission. 

Gina placed her hand on top of Carlo’s and he instantly felt her calming influence through her touch and the mate bond.  He acknowledged the submission from his Pack and sat down staring at Victoria and seeing no remorse in her expression, he sighed loudly before saying, “Is there anything else you’d like to say?”

“No,” she said in a tone devoid of all emotion as a pout crossed her face.  As she went to sit, she suddenly stood straight and said, “Yes, there is…I want extra guards posted for my protection.  If those people are supposedly coming for us, what makes you think the Millers and the Carlucci’s are the top targets?  Anybody with a brain would realize I’d be the top target because of who I am.”  With that announcement she flopped in her seat, crossed her arms over her chest and started to pout.  Her mother was crying quietly and reached out to hold her hand, but Victoria snatched it away while her father and brothers continued to stare off into space.

Carlo stared at her before shaking his head, “I’m not even going to respond to that except to say no member of this Pack is better than another.  We are a Pack, a family who watches over and protects each other, if anybody feels differently please stand and tell me why you feel that way.”  He leaned back and studied his Pack members who sat silently staring at the floor in front of the head table.

“Before The Elders pass judgement, is there anything the three of you would like to say?” Carlo asked as he looked at Jade, Daisy and Victoria.  Jade and Daisy shook their heads while Victoria was pulling at a thread on her sweater.

Carlo stood and turned to the twenty-seven Elders and said, “Please go to the smaller training room for your deliberations.”  After they filed out of the room, he turned to the assembled Pack and said, “Those of you who need to check on their youngsters please do so now.”  As the door to the observation room opened, everyone started smiling as they heard the young ones singing ‘The Wheels on the bus go round and round’.  Carlo leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed, wishing he were at the lake and fishing with his two best friends.

Less than five minutes passed when Elder Arturo Pinelli said, “We’ve reached a decision Alpha.”

“The Elders have reached their decision,” Carlo announced and moments later everyone was in their seats.  There was complete silence as The Elders filed into the room and Elder Arturo walked to Carlo handing him three folded slips of paper before bowing and returning to his seat.  Carlo unfolded the slips labeled Daisy and Jade and looked at them before showing them to Gina, Anthony and Sophia.  He stood and said in a commanding tone, “Jade and Daisy, please stand.”

The girls and their families slowly stood and Carlo said, “You have both been found guilty of all three charges.”  Daisy started crying loudly and slumped against her father while Jade’s knees buckled and she was held up by her father’s arm around her waist.  “After watching everything that transpired, I now have a better understanding of your subsequent actions.  After listening to your apologies I feel you both show true remorse and realize your actions were detrimental to your future Alpha’s, your Pack but most of all to yourselves.”  He paused for a moment and glanced at Victoria who continued to pull a thread on her sweater.  “Your sentence is as follows: a one game suspension from cheerleading and you will write an essay about what being a member of South Mountain Pack means to you.”  Daisy and Jade were still crying silently but nodded as Carlo paused and looked at them.  “In the future you will be faced with difficult decisions and I want you to remember that doing the right thing isn’t always the easy thing to do.  We are judged not only by the words we say but by our actions and I hope from this day forward your words and actions reflect the loyalty I know you have for this Pack.”

Daisy bowed her head and said in a quiet voice, “Thank you Alpha Carlo for believing in me when you didn’t have too.”

Jade wiped the tears from her eyes and said, “Thank you Alpha Carlo for believing in me too.”

Carlo looked at both girls and said quietly, “I believe in both of you and I know how upset this has made you and your families.  Since you don’t have a game to go to this weekend, take the time to reflect and learn to believe in yourself again.”  Their families hugged them and sat back down, relief evident on their faces.  Carlo watched them for several moments before picking up the slip of paper with Victoria’s name on it; he read it then passed it to Gina, Anthony and Sophia.

Victoria, please stand,” said Carlo as he turned towards her.  She stood with her arms still crossed over her chest and her family stood beside her, though they looked like they wanted to be anywhere but standing with her.  “You have been found guilty of all three charges, in addition The Elders found you guilty of an additional charge of betraying your fellow Pack members.”  Allison began crying, Clay took a deep breath and her brothers looked at the floor while Victoria tossed her long blonde hair over her shoulder and sighed deeply.  “Your sentence is as follows:  you are forbidden from participating in all Pack functions including the Halloween Dance and The Winter Festival, you will be required to attend these functions but you will sit in a room by yourself;  you will be required to attend Full Moon Ceremonies, but you will not be allowed to participate in the Pack run or any Pack activities, you will stay in a cabin by yourself;  you are stripped of your spot on the cheerleading squad and you are not allowed to attend any school activities including the Homecoming Dance and any games.  In January we will have a meeting and if we determine you are feeling remorse and can once again become a productive member of this Pack then some of your privileges may be restored.”

“THAT’S NOT FAIR, YOU CAN’T DO THAT,” Victoria shouted as Clay grabbed a hold of her arm and told her to shut up. 

“DO NOT TELL ME WHAT I CAN OR CANNOT DO,” Carlo’s voice thundered throughout the training room and the assembled Pack members recoiled and submitted their necks instantly.  “IF YOU RAISE YOUR VOICE OR TALK TO ME IN THAT TONE AGAIN, I WILL BANISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.  CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY I WAS LENIENT IN MY PUNISHMENT, IF YOU DO ANYTHING LIKE THIS AGAIN, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE BANISHED BEFORE YOU EVEN REALIZE WHAT IS GOING ON.”  Gina again slid her hand onto his and Carlo took a deep breath looking at his Pack who still had their necks in a submissive pose.  Seeing this he waved a hand at them and they started to relax. 

Clay, Allison and the boys bowed their heads and Victoria took a deep breath and nodded.  She was afraid if she spoke, she would shout at her stupid Alpha again; she couldn’t believe this was happening to her…she was Victoria Martin, daughter of Senator Clay Martin, not some stupid no-body.

“Since you won’t be at the game, I suggest you take the time to reflect on how you are going to make amends to the Pack, and to the future Alpha’s,” said Carlo in a firm commanding tone.  She glanced over and looked at her mate in disdain; that’s what Luna paired her with?  She was disgusted by his subservient attitude and his fawning over his stupid sister.  She deserved an Alpha, not some lowly Beta and she was going to make sure it happened.  As she thought about what her Alpha said she decided if she couldn’t have Anthony then she would have to find another Alpha.  To do that she had to be able to leave the territory and plans started to formulate in her head as she thought of how she could accomplish this. 

“Since the entire Pack is here, we’re going to have a meeting.”  Carlo motioned for the Hammond, Mendez and Martin family to sit on the bleachers and when he saw Victoria following her family, he said, “Victoria, this is a Pack function, you will go and sit in the smallest training room by yourself.” 

Joe said quietly, “Victoria, follow me.”  When they got to the room, Joe made sure the room was completely empty and he said quietly, “Empty your pockets, give me your cell phone and your pocketbook.  You will sit here and do what Alpha Carlo said, you will reflect on how you are going to make amends.”  Without waiting for a response he gathered everything she gave him and quietly left the room, making sure the door was firmly closed.

“Anybody who doesn’t want their youngsters included in the meeting, please send them to the observation room,” Carlo said as he looked over the crowd.  Nobody moved, all the youngsters who were able to understand what was going on had been told and their parents wanted them included in the meetings so they would have a clear understanding of what was going on. 

Carlo nodded and brought everyone up to date on the improvements done to The School House; what happened at the reception with Amy Briggs and the information Paulo discovered; the renewed Alliance with Parr Ridge Pack; their plans for the safe room later that day.  He stopped and looked at the Miller girls and projected the revelations made by President Roberts through the bond to those over eighteen plus Anthony, he knew the girls killed by Charles had been friends of theirs and he didn’t want them to find out this way.  Horrified gasps were heard throughout the training room and Holly and Nana Miller started to cry quietly as they thought of the young girls who had been friends with their girls, they were comforted by their mates who also appeared shocked.  “What I sent to your parents, they will disclose to you later,” he said quietly and the youngsters nodded, realizing it was something bad.

Carlo cleared his throat and motioned Paulo forward, who blushed as he walked to the table the Hammonds had been, placing his laptop on it.  He hated being called out in front of the Pack preferring to be in the quiet confines of his office.  He felt the comforting presence of his father and uncle as they walked to his side and he sighed before saying quietly, “I’m okay, just give me a moment.” 
 
Damian saw his brothers discomfort and said, “Hey bro, remember that old trick about imagining your audience in their underwear, that’ll relax you.  No wait, that won’t work since you’ve seen all the men nekkid already and imagining the girls naked is just wrong and imagining the moms naked is beyond disturbing.  Wait a minute… I think I just threw up in my mouth.”

Paulo put his head down hiding his smile, “Thanks Damian, I can always count on you to say the most absurd shit and make me laugh.”  He looked at his brother, saying quietly, “I know I don’t say it enough, but I’m proud you’re my brother.”

A crooked smile came over Damian’s face, “Thanks and I’m proud you’re my brother too.  You amaze me constantly with the mad computer skills you have and I’m proud of the dedication you show to keep all of us safe.”   

Paulo smiled at him before taking a deep breath to start explaining the new feature connecting the cell phones to the security systems and that an email would be sent out with an installation schedule since he had to upload and program each individual security system.  He hit a couple of keys on the laptop and a picture appeared on the big projection screen and he said, “Originally, we wanted to put tracking devices in the youngsters backpacks and in the girls headbands and shoes, but the more we thought about it, we’re going to give them to all Pack members.  It would be activated in an emergency after you’ve been scanned for electronic devices.  The device will be specific to each Pack member and will work worldwide since it’s programmed to link to the nearest satellite and will send an alert to me, Alpha Carlo, Uncle Frank and Dad.  I have it programmed so even if it’s destroyed, once the link is broken between the electronics and the battery, there’s enough of a charge left to send a split-second burst and we’ll get the alarm.” 

There was silence from the Pack members before Vinnie said, “That’s some serious James Bond shit you’ve rigged up there.”

Paulo smiled at his Godfather and said, “Q would love to get his hands on this.  If you notice it looks like a mesh screen, the battery and electronics are woven together and it recharges itself through motion.  It’s activated through pressure; press it for three seconds to turn it on and once quickly to turn it off, you can feel it snap off.”

“You can do all that, and your father still can’t figure how the cruise control works in his truck,” said Vinnie with a smile as Joe glared at his friend. 

Carlo slapped Joe on the back and said, “We’re also working on a false bottom to the backpacks, incorporating some of the supplies Joel and Jerry put in during the last training exercise.  Since it’s sneaky and underhanded, I don’t have to tell you who came up with that idea.”  The Pack turned to look at Damian who was smiling broadly and he got up and bowed causing them to start laughing.

“Before we adjourn the meeting, is there anything you feel we need to discuss?” asked Carlo as he looked at his Pack. 

Enzo stood up and said, “I’d like to have a meeting here on Tuesday at 7 PM, with all the youngsters aged fifteen and up who’ll be left in the safe room during the battle.  We need to start formulating our plans.” 

Carlo nodded, “The building will be made available for you, is there anything you need us to provide?”

“Refreshments would be nice, you know snacks, drinks, steaks, a couple of roasts, nothing too big,” said Michael with a smile.

“How about pizza?” asked Carlo as he laughed while the youngsters nodded.  “Anybody else?”

Elder Marvin Whitmer stood and said, “I think we should have a meeting before each Full Moon Ceremony to keep us updated.  I know you can update us by using the bond, but by being together it brings us even closer.”

Carlo nodded as he said, “We’ll start having meetings at the next ceremony.”  He looked at the Pack again and not getting any more questions or suggestions, he said, “Okay, we’ll meet at The Manor House in thirty minutes.”

The Pack members were talking loudly as they walked down the bleachers and the Hammond and Mendez families huddled protectively around Daisy and Jade.  Seeing the looks that were directed towards the two girls, Sophia walked towards them with her mate and brothers following closely behind.  “Can we talk?” she asked quietly and when the two girls nodded, she walked to the middle of the training room knowing the eyes of everyone in the Pack were on them.

“I hope we can move past this,” Sophia began as she reached out to hold their hands.  “I’ve always thought of you as friends and this hasn’t changed my opinion.  When Anthony told everyone at practice, the two of you were the first to congratulate me and I’d like us to be close once more.”  Daisy and Jade started to cry and their brothers moved forward to protect them but stopped when they saw Sophia hug them.  She whispered in their ears, “You don’t need to say anything, I heard everything you said earlier and between friends nothing more needs to be said, okay?  Now, let’s go in the locker room and get you cleaned up a little.”  A mischievous twinkle came into her eyes as she said, “I hate to say this, but you both look a mess.  Your eyes are red and puffy, your nose is red and your hair’s a mess.” 

Carlo, Gina, Frank and Rose looked at Sophia with approval and Carlo said quietly, “She’s going to make a great Madame Alpha.  Luna was wise in her choice for my son, he couldn’t have asked for a better mate.”

Ten minutes later everyone had left but the Betas and the Italians since Frank and Joe were discussing what they wanted done at the safe room.  Vinnie and Carmelo were getting ready to check the building and shut the lights when Joe turned to Clay saying, “Victoria is still in the small training room.”    

Clay sighed and said, “We can’t leave her here?”

The men hid their smiles as Carlo said, “Unfortunately, you can’t.  She’s young Clay; hopefully after what happened today, she’ll get rid of this warped sense of entitlement she has and that arrogant attitude.  If she doesn’t I have a feeling someone will knock it out of her.”  He looked at Frank who shrugged his shoulders knowing it would probably be his daughter.  

Clay sighed and looked at Frank, “I know you’ve had an issue with me since I fell on top of Rose…”  He stopped speaking as Frank growled loudly and he took a deep breath before he continued, “But I need your advice.  We’ve taken things away from her, restricted her from going out, tried reasoning and talking with her, but nothing helps.  What did you do with Sophia?  She’s such a nice young lady, polite, well-mannered and friendly.  What did you do that I didn’t?”

“I’m not sure Clay,” Frank said as he shrugged.  “Your sons have turned out to be fine young men, but somewhere along the way Victoria has gotten it into her head that she is better than anyone because of who you are.  It seems like her whole identity is wrapped up in the fact that she is a Senator’s daughter, maybe you need to take her to a therapist and find out why she feels that way.”

“Thanks Frank, I’ll talk to Doc and see what he recommends,” Clay replied with a nod.  “I guess I better get her.” 

The men watched as he walked slowly across the room and Dante said, “There goes a troubled man.”

Thirty minutes later the Pack was at The Manor House to begin the ten minute walk to the safe house.  Alberto picked up Maria and before she could protest, he whispered, “Let me carry you, I like having you in my arms.”  She nodded and settled against his broad chest.  The youngsters broke into their training session groups and started carrying the young ones and little ones.

“I swear to Luna, if you bug me one more time I’m gonna knock you out,” Emory Bellucci ranted as she waved her arms around.  “There’s nothing wrong with me, except for the fact I look and feel like a gigantic beached whale.”

“Doc said to take it easy since the little one is due in a month Em.  Let me carry you, I don’t want to take the chance you’ll fall and hurt yourself or the little one,” her mate Duke said in a soft soothing tone.  “Alberto’s carrying Maria.”

“There’s a big difference, she just had surgery and I’m pregnant,” Emory narrowed her eyes and put her hands on her hips.  “Get. Out. Of. My. Way.”  Duke threw his hands in the air and moved to the side as she slowly followed the others.

“I told you when you made your declaration she was a handful,” his father in law, Roman Sabatini said as he slapped him on the back. “Did she tell you she got mad because I wouldn’t let her help re-tar the roof of the skating rink?  She threw a fit, stomped her feet and screamed like a toddler.  She said I wouldn’t let her on the roof because I thought it would collapse under her weight.”

Her oldest brother Austin continued, “Dad said it wasn’t true, but I don’t think he helped when he told her she was becoming ‘unwieldy’.” 

Duke watched as she slowly walked with Anna and Cynthia and said, “I don’t know what to do anymore.  She’s hungry, but won’t eat because she says she’s fat or she wants food Doc says she shouldn’t have or she wants it at 3 AM.  She’s sleepy but won’t lie down unless it’s on freshly laundered sheets.  She gets up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom at least ten times and won’t come back to bed until I change the sheets.  During the day it’s the same thing, I’m changing the damn bed twenty times a day.  She’s bored but doesn’t do anything except watch ‘The Princess Bride’ and then cries.  She’s thirsty but only wants coffee which she can’t have and hated before.  I’m losing my fucking mind.”

Roman laughed, “She’s yours now and you can’t give her back.”

“I HEARD THAT,” Emory hollered and both her mate and father looked at her with terror in their eyes. 

“Oh fuck,” muttered Duke as her brothers and Dad started to laugh.  He ran after her and said in a soft tone, “I only meant that you’re such a nice loving mate and I love looking after you and our little one Em.”

“Yeah right,” she replied rolling her eyes as she stopped walking.  “Now carry me.”  Duke smiled as she told him she could have walked but she didn’t want to get her shoes dirty, not that she could see them, but she still wanted them clean.

When they arrived at the entrance to the safe room Joe looked at Papa Mike and said, “Can you see the entrance?” 

“Here?  All I see is rocks, evergreens and trees,” said Papa Mike as he spun around looking for anything that looked out of place. 

Carlo called the Millers over to a grouping of boulders and said, “Watch carefully, if you do this wrong, you’ll get zapped with 100 amps of electricity.”  Thinking he was kidding Todd and Papa Mike started to laugh and Carlo said, “I’m serious.  We wired the ground to shock anyone who’s trying to access the panel without using the correct sequence.  There’s a ledge on the back of the boulder and underneath is a button that needs to be pressed in a certain order for it to unlatch; five quick, one long and two quick.  Anything else and you’ll get shocked.”  Carlo then pulled on the top of the boulder separating it revealing a keypad and he punched in the code.  Replacing the top he moved quickly to a smaller boulder and pushing on the front it separated at the bottom, “Hitting that code will unlock the next keypad.  It has an internal locking mechanism, there’s no other way to access it and if you try and force it open it’ll self-destruct.  You must open it within twenty seconds if not it relocks and you have to do the whole sequence over.  If you do it more then two times, both systems will cease to operate until Frank, Joe, Paulo or I reset the system.” 

As Carlo typed the ten digit code Frank said, “I’ll give you the codes later.  Like the code to the website if you’re under duress simply add ‘01’ to the end and it’ll send an alert to Carlo, Joe, Paulo and I.  After you put in the correct code, you need to replace the top of the rock within ten seconds; if not the door to the safe room won’t open.  Turn around and watch the rocks.”

The Millers stared at the numerous outcroppings and within seconds one of the larger ones moved similar to an old fashioned garage door, where the top tilted back and the bottom swung upwards. Their mouths fell open and Papa Mike said, “That’s fucking unbelievable.  I never would’ve guessed the door was behind a whole outcropping of rocks.  That’s got to weigh a ton, how did you get it to lift?”

“Four large hydraulic lifts, and it weighs several tons,” said Joe motioning the Millers forward.  “Once inside, the hydraulics can be disabled preventing the door from opening.  As you can see the door is solid steel and the rocks extend over the edges so it looks like a natural formation.”

Todd glanced inside the small room and said with a confused tone, “Where’s the door to get inside?  All I see is dirt and more rocks.”

“There’s one more keypad.  Again, the floor is wired to shock anybody who doesn’t do things correctly,” Carlo said walking to the right side of the small area.  Squatting in front of a group of rocks imbedded in the wall, he pushed one on the bottom right, one on the far left and then one on the back wall.  Todd watched as Carlo walked over to a rock, the size of a quarter and pressed it into the wall and a small panel opened on the floor.  Carlo punched in the code and the left wall started to separate, moving back and sliding into the mountain.  “They would naturally look for the door in front of them, so we put it on the side.”

“Who the hell thinks of these things?  Wiring the ground to shock people?  All the secret panels and sequence things, it’s unreal,” said Todd as Frank, Joe and Paulo walked into the security room while the other Betas quickly searched the entire safe room.  Moments later, shouts of “Clear” rang out and within minutes the Pack was inside the safe room.  Carlo typed in the code to bring the outer door down and they were completely sealed inside. 

The young ones moved to the corner where small tables were set up and took off their backpacks getting out coloring books, dolls, toys and books and sat quietly while the women put the little ones, newborns to toddlers, in an area with a short wall around it.  The area had cribs along the wall, playpens in the center and toys scattered around.  Carlo looked at his Pack and the Italians and said, “Let’s get started.  Victoria, please go to one of the exam rooms.”  She looked at her Alpha and nodded and went to the exam room sitting on the only chair and staring at the wall.    
 
Gina broke the women into groups; Rose - bunk rooms, Annie - kitchen supplies, Holly and Rita - food supplies, Annabelle Pinelli - linens and Teresa Giovanni - batteries and emergency supplies.  Each group was assigned several women and they started inventorying and inspecting their areas.  Ric and Rocco went into the security room and the Betas inspected the electric, air and water systems while the Italians checked everything.  Doc and his mate, Elaine, went into the medical area and started their inventory.  The youngsters kept the younger ones entertained.

“Come on Millers, I’ll give you the tour,” said Vin with a smile.  He showed them the four bunk rooms, the men’s shower room, the women’s shower room, the medical rooms, the two cell rooms, the kitchen, the dining room and the security room.

“How in the hell did you all build this?” asked Todd as he looked around.

“We didn’t build all of it.  When the Pack first arrived, they found a series of caves and used that as a safe room with a wooden door as the entrance.  Over the next two hundred thirty years, we’ve made some improvements,” Vin answered with a shrug.  “We’ve reinforced the walls with concrete and steel beams.  The ceiling has I-beams every 24” and is concrete with rebar.  It’s taken us years to get it like this and as new technology becomes available we update.”

Dom walked up carrying Hope and Jackie and said, “Vin, this little munchkin was asking for you.” 

“Vinnieee,” Hope squealed and put her arms out for Vin to hold her.  He lifted her out of Dom’s arm, pretending to drop her as she laughed in delight. 

“What’s the matter munchkin?” asked Vin as he settled her on his hip.

“Nuttin, I was tired of doin tha collers,” she said with a big smile.  “Mommy is doin tha countin wit Miss Hawlley and Daddy is wit Mister Carmellow.  I’s bored.”  

“Why aren’t you playing with Brooke?” Vin asked as Hope placed her head on his shoulder and got comfortable.

Hope sighed loudly and said, “She’s pwaying dohllies with Wenzo.  She fixeded his haier weal pwetty too, puts bows and wibbons in it.”  Vin, Dom and the Millers started to grin as she continued, “Antny and Daymian too.  Daymian letted Toni put ALL da bows an wibbons in his haier.  He wooks bootiful.”  

“I bet he does, how bout we go see them?” asked Vin as they walked into the main room and began to laugh.  Almost every boy had bows and ribbons in their hair, even the ones that were in front of the TV playing video games or were in the corner with Marcus as he showed them defensive moves.  As long as it kept the girls happy, they would put up with it.  The older girls were grouped around Emory, Cynthia and the six other pregnant women and were talking about little ones.

Hope giggled and said, “I gots one for yous too Vinnie.”  He laughed and put her on top of the table and bent down as she put the lilac with white polka dot ribbon in his hair and she clapped when she was done.  “Yous pwetty.”

“Thank you.  Jackie, where’s Dom’s bow?  I think he needs one too,” said Vin with a smirk as Dom pretended to scowl at Jackie.  She giggled and pulled a red bow with little white hearts on it out of the pocket of her overalls and clipped it in.

Dom and Vin set the little girls down and they ran back to Brooke, Abby and Toni.  “I know what I wanted to ask,” said Todd as he looked at Dom.  “Why do you all only go to school four days a week?”

“Well, we don’t take winter or spring breaks; have teacher professional days or other things like public schools.  We also start a week earlier than they do,” said Dom as he shrugged.  “We’ve always had a four day week; I believe it’s written in our charter.  We have off Fridays, except for the week of the Full Moon when we take off the day after; or Federal holidays, like Labor Day, so we’ll be off that Monday.”

“We do a lot of Pack stuff on the days off, special training, helping out whoever needs something, that kinda stuff,” said Vin as he watched Hope.  She was trying to get something out of her backpack and as it came loose she fell backwards, he started to run towards her but Gianni scooped her up before she hit the floor and cradled her against his chest as she started to laugh. 

“I got her,” said Gianni sensing his brother’s anxiety.  “I know you’ve been busy so I’ve been keeping an eye on her and I see you got your pretty purple bow.”

“Yeah, just what I’ve always wanted, to be wearing a girly hair bow in front of my mate,” said Vin as he rolled his eyes.  “Where’s yours?”

“Mr. Drama Queen took it, said he needed it to look the most beautiful,” said Gianni with a laugh.

Vin looked around the room and spotted Damian coming from the men’s locker room with Toni’s brothers, Troy, Roger, Danny and Don.  He had so many bows on his head that you couldn’t even tell he had hair and Vin started laughing so hard that all he could do was point at him for the Millers to see.

“He looks like a Hallmark store exploded on his head,” said Dom with a laugh.

“And that is the mate Luna chose for me,” said Caitlin with a sigh before she began to laugh.  “I don’t know whether to laugh AT him or with him or to feel sorry for myself that we’re mates.  I don’t think he’ll ever take anything serious.”

“He’ll be a wonderful mate and father,” Maeve said in a serious tone.  “You’re serious but have a snarky sense of humor and he …well… he is just Damian.  I think you’ll balance out perfectly.”  They watched Damian pick Toni up and blow raspberries on her cheek.

Frank and Joe walked over to Todd and Papa Mike and Frank said, “There’s one thing Vin left out, the emergency exit.”  Todd and Papa Mike looked confused as they followed them and watched as Joe opened an end cabinet moving the dishes out of the way before pushing in on the left interior panel revealing a keypad.  He typed in an access code and they watched as the middle freezer unit moved away from the wall on rollers revealing a 3’ round metal door.  “This was original to the caves; we think it was a stream that dried up, it goes straight through the mountain ending in a dry well in the basement of a house the Pack owns in Burkittsville in Frederick County.  We keep vehicles in the barn and garage for emergency use.”

“If this is the escape route, what’s that door in the main room?” asked Todd as he turned around and pointed to a similar door that was on the back wall, partially hidden behind a bookshelf.

“A diversion.  If we need to escape, that door’ll be opened letting our enemies think we escaped through there,” said Frank.  “I hope they’re not claustrophobic, it’s only 2.5’ x 2’ and almost four miles long before it narrows down to nothing.”

“I told you they were sneaky and they haven’t even told you the rest of the plan,” said Matt looking at his brother.  “If something happens, one of the youngsters is going to take shirts from the girls and run to the end of the tunnel, leave the shirts then run back.  This way the girls scents will make them go down the tunnel.”

“Thing is, the tunnel isn’t big enough for adult wolves to run in or turn around, so they’ll have to crawl in their wolf form or human form to the end and they’ll have to back out,” said Phil as he joined them.  

The Carlucci brothers looked at each other and smiled as Joe said, “We can’t take credit for that idea.  Damian thought of it when he was six.  Now that I think about it, it should have been a huge clue what he would turn out like.”

“I should’ve known,” said Todd with a grin.

A little over an hour later everything was done:  Gina had the inventory and list of supplies to be ordered; Carlo had the assessment papers from the Italians; Frank and Joe had notes of what electronic equipment Paulo needed; Doc had the list of medical supplies to be ordered; Carmelo and Vinnie had notes about the supplies needed for the mechanical equipment.  “Okay everyone, we’re done here.  Young ones clean up your areas and make sure you have everything because we’re not coming back if you forgot something,” Carlo said in a loud voice. 

Ten minutes later, the Pack was ready to leave and Paulo checked the monitors before saying, “We’re clear.”  Carlo typed in the passwords and the Pack exited as Carlo repeated the earlier process to lock the safe room down.

As they were walking to The Manor House, Matt said, “Todd, what time are we going to the Mall to take the girls shopping?”

“Whoever is going, I am going with you, I am hungry.  Who is driving me?” Dante said eagerly.  Carlo rolled his eyes and an hour later the Millers, Carlucci’s, Rossi’s, Gabby, Angelo and Alberto were at the Mall.  Dante quickly led the way to Long John Silver’s where Amanda smiled broadly as he said, “One register again Amanda.”  She nodded and glanced at the new cashier who quickly ran to the back to tell them Mr. Rossi was here with a ton of people.  The fry cooks glanced out front unsure of ‘what a ton of people’ was, and as soon as they saw how many people there were, they ran to the freezer and grabbed boxes of everything. 

“You do know we have other restaurants around here,” said Carlo with a laugh as Dante was finishing the last of his hush puppies.

“None with food as good as this,” Dante replied before he went to the register to pay and to talk to Amanda.  “I want to thank you for being at the reception yesterday; for me it was the highlight of the evening.  I know how much work it was for you and your staff, speaking of which how many workers are here today?”

Amanda smiled, “Thank you for including us Mr. Rossi, my District Manager said it was a wonderful opportunity for us.  We have six here today Sir.”

“I know they are busy, so please hand out the tips for me,” he said as he peeled off thirty $100 bills before paying the $1,300 bill with his card.  “We will be leaving Wednesday, but I hope to see you again several times before then.”  

“Thank you again Sir,” said Amanda with a big smile as the staff stepped out of the back and waved at Dante. 

Dante smiled as they walked out of the restaurant and said, “I am full and now I need to do some shopping.  I need some American Levi’s for myself and D & D, also some of the new Nike’s, Catarina wants …” Dante stopped talking and pulled his wallet out retrieving several pieces of paper and his eyes widened when he looked at the lists.  He sighed and said in an exasperated tone, “IO giuro di Luna, i ragazzi del mio credo che non ci sono negozi in Italia. Bath & Body Works intera linea di zucchero vanigliato, sun abiti con cardigan e calzini, pantaloni capri con twin-set, Levi's, Nike's, U di MD felpe e tute, felpe con cappuccio, polo Ralph Lauren camicie e shorts …e che diavolo è una ‘moglie battitore’?”  (I swear to Luna, these youngsters of mine think there are no stores in Italy.  Bath & Body Works entire line of vanilla sugar, sun dresses with matching cardigans and socks, capri pants with twin sets, Levi’s, Nike's, U of MD sweatshirts and sweatpants, hoodies, Ralph Lauren polo shirts and shorts…and what the hell is a ‘wife beater’?)

Vin told the Millers what was said and that D & D were Dante’s sons, Draco and Drago as Ric, Rocco and Luc pulled similar lists out of their wallets.

“It will take me hours to get all this,” said Dante as he looked at Ric, Rocco and Luc who said their lists were almost as long. 

“Let me see,” said Gina and Dante passed the papers to her and Rose and Annie held their hands out for Ric, Rocco and Luc.  “The girls can help me pick out some outfits for Cat; she even included her size on the paper though of course it’s in Italian measurements.  Who does she most resemble in height and shape?” 

Dante pulled a picture and a credit card out of his wallet and handed them to Gina, “Well, you know she is seventeen, and is most similar to Gabriella.  She likes bright clothes and for everything to match.  Buy her whatever you think she would like.  There is no limit on that card, but try to keep it around $20,000.”

Gina laughed as she said, “Dante, I could buy a whole store for that.”  She looked at the list again and said, “I don’t see anything on here for Calinda.”

“She is getting enough,” said Dante with a smirk.  “The new plane is her birthday present.”

“Damn it Dante,” Carlo said with a scowl.  “Now Gina’s going to want something besides the new SUV she ordered.”  Gina slowly turned her head towards Carlo and glared at him and he quickly said, “And she would deserve everything she asked for, she’s a wonderful mate and mother.”   

Anthony was laughing as he said, “Nice recovery Dad, but I think she’s still mad.”  Carlo gave Gina a lopsided grin and she turned away from him, but not before he saw her smile.

Ric and Rocco handed their card to Rose and said their daughters resembled Sophia and Maria and also liked bright colors and to spend around $5,000.  Luc gave his to Annie and told her to get Nonna casual outfits yet definitely American in design and he had no limit.  Ric looked at him and said in a sarcastic tone, “Of course you have no limit; Nonna will pay your bills when we get home.”  Luc didn’t say anything just smiled which infuriated Ric.  
 
Knowing the girls didn’t want their intendeds to see their outfits before their dates, Rose said, “Dante, why don’t you take Anthony, Alberto, Vin and Dom with you to get the boys things.  Everyone else will come with us.” 

“As long as my intended stays safe,” said Anthony with a scowl.  “Sophia, I want you to keep the bond open in case you need me.”

“I’m going to be with my family plus your parents, I think you can relax,” Sophia said as she rolled her eyes.  “Now go, we have a lot of shopping to do.”

Four hours later, they were finally done.  The Millers had gotten their other three pairs of shoes, ten outfits, swimsuits, a winter coat and their first pocketbooks with matching wallets.  Sophia and Maria had gotten outfits for their dates plus several others and Gabby had gotten several outfits that Sal helped pick out.  Gina, Rose and Annie bought everything on the lists and there were so many bags the men had to make several trips to the vehicles because they couldn’t carry them all.  They met in the parking lot and when Dante saw the bags he said, “If the other men have as much to bring back, we are going to need a bigger plane.”

“I had the clerks pack the clothes in boxes, this way they won’t wrinkle,” said Gina as she handed back his credit card.  “Here are the receipts, I spent a little more than the budget but there were so many cute outfits I couldn’t make up my mind.”  Dante shrugged since he had spent more then that on each of his sons. 

“I remembered why I hate shopping so much,” muttered Carlo as the boys agreed.  The caravan drove to the Millers and the boys carried the bags inside and Vin and Dom reminded Brianna and Morgan they would be there at 6 PM to pick them up.  Carlo, Gina and Dante went to The Manor House and the Moretti’s followed the Carlucci’s back to Frank’s house.  The boys changed into their board shorts and dove into the pool while the girls went to Sophia’s bedroom.

For her fourteenth birthday Rose had re-done Sophia’s bedroom, turning it from a little girls room into a room for a young lady.  An antique mahogany bedroom set complete with a four poster queen sized bed complimented the lilac painted walls with white trim and the purple and flower printed patchwork quilt with matching curtains, shams, dust ruffle and bed linens.  Mahogany frames with pictures of her family and Anthony were scattered along the wall and a mahogany bookcase was on the wall between her walk in closet and the door to her bathroom.  

Gabby sat in the vanity chair, Maria lay on the bed propping her arm with a pillow and Sophia flopped in the bean bag she refused to let her mother throw away.  The girls laughed as they recounted the exasperated looks on the boys faces as they tried on outfit after outfit.  “I know we bought some stuff, but most of the stuff we tried on was for Alpha Dante, Ric and Rocco so it wasn’t our fault,” Sophia said with a laugh.  She looked at Maria, “At least you didn’t have to be a walking mannequin, you got to sit in a chair at the doorway of the changing room.  I’m exhausted.”

“Did you see Lorenzo’s face when Erin was trying on her outfit for her date?” Gabby asked with a laugh.  Sophia put her finger to her lips and walked to the door, looking down the hall before closing it.

“I know, he was boiling mad,” Maria said with a grin as Sophia sat back down.  “He growled when she came out of the dressing room if her clothes were too low cut, too tight or too short.  Damian was just as bad.  When Caitlin came out in that purple dress that was a size too small I thought he was going to lose it.”

Gabby snorted as she said, “He did lose it, he screamed at her to get back in the changing room and to stop wearing clothes from the children’s section.” 

Sophia looked at Maria as she laughed, “You’re a bad sister, telling them to go out in clothes you knew didn’t fit to get a reaction out of your brothers.”

“I know, but they deserve it,” Maria replied with an evil smile.  “And Gabby was just as bad, telling Caitlin and Erin in a loud voice how much Patrick and Bob would like them in the dresses they finally picked.” 

“What about what Sophia did?” asked Gabby with a big smile.

“My brothers deserve it,” Sophia responded with an evil laugh.  The girls started laughing so hard tears were rolling down their faces.

The boys were quiet as they threw a football around the pool, Lorenzo had been angry and Damian on edge since they’d been at the mall.  “Did you see how tight…” Lorenzo started to say angrily but stopped when he saw Anthony point to his head.  He nodded before continuing, “the dress was that Erin had on?  It looked obscene.  And the dress she’s going to wear on her date with that fucking bastard?  She looked beautiful in it, he doesn’t fucking deserve to be with her.”  He threw the ball so hard at Victor that after catching it, he had to shake his hands.

“Caitlin too, who the fuck picked out the clothes for her to try on?  I swear to Luna, they had to come from the children’s section, they were too tight.  I felt like running over and covering her up so nobody could see her,” Damian ranted as he caught the pass Victor threw. 

Vin, Dom, Anthony and Alberto looked at the boys and said, “---- didn’t get anything too tight, did she?” Each boy had inserted the name of their intended in the question and when they realized what they did they burst out laughing.

Michael shook his head and smiled, “They looked beautiful, but we’re not going to tell you what they bought, you have to wait and see.”

“So, what did you decide to do for your first dates?” Angelo asked as he leaned against the side of the pool.

“We’re going to Carmelo’s since the girls want authentic pizza then we’re going bowling since they’ve never been,” said Dom with a smile.

“How are they going to bowl in dresses?” asked Gino with a frown.  “Especially dresses as short as the ones they bought?”

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?  YOU SAID THEIR DRESSES WEREN’T SHORT,” Vin hollered glaring at his brother while Dom growled.

“Back off, don’t get mad at me.  And you asked if the dresses were tight, you didn’t ask anything about the length,” Gino said as he got out of the pool as Vin and Dom chased him.  The other boys looked at each other with knowing smiles.

Two hours later, Vin and Dom pulled into the Millers driveway.  Vin was dressed in Levi’s, a blue and white striped rugby shirt with the sleeves pushed to his elbows and Timberlands; Dom was dressed in faded Levi’s, a white Polo shirt and Doc Martens.  “If their dresses are too short, we’ll do something besides go bowling,” said Vin with a scowl.  “I won’t have my mate bending over in front of other guys.”

“You’ve said that like a hundred times, like I want my mate doing it,” Dom said with a frown as they walked towards the front door.  “If it was up to me, we wouldn’t even be going out in public; I don’t want anybody looking at my mate.”

Dom stepped forward and was about to knock when Papa Mike opened it and made a point to look at his watch as he said, “Right on time.  Come on in the kitchen, the girls are almost ready.”

“I baked some brownies, would you like some?” asked Nana Ellen with a twinkle in her eye.  “We tried a new recipe with cream cheese and cherries.”  She laughed as Vin and Dom raced to sit at the table as she handed them plates.

“These are really good,” said Vin as Dom nodded in agreement.  “You’re going to sell them in the bakery, right?”

“That’s the plan,” said Todd as he walked into the kitchen.  “We signed the papers to buy the building.  Now we need to go over the design concept with your Dad and uncle then start the build-out.”

“We’ll be here early Sunday to cut the firewood, the others are coming too.  We figured it’d be a good workout instead of lifting weights,” said Dom with a shrug before smiling at his father in law.  “We’re finishing our run here, so figure for us to get here at 6…and we’ll be hungry.”

Papa Mike started to laugh as he said, “You boys are always hungry.  I’ve never seen boys eat as much as you all do.”

“It’ll slow down when we finish growing,” said Vin as he finished his third brownie.

“Or at least that’s what Dad’s hoping, he says he’s going broke every time we get groceries,” said Dom with a laugh which died quickly when they scented their mates approaching.  Where they were sitting they couldn’t see them but as soon as they stepped into the kitchen, both boys stood up, their mouths dropping open.  Brianna was in fuchsia capris, a white silk shirt with a fuchsia and black swirl design and Keds with white lace socks.  Morgan was wearing peach capris, a white t-shirt with peach fabric flowers around the neck and Keds with white socks.  Both girls had their hair in braids with matching ribbons woven through.

“I’m going to fucking kill you when we get home Gino,” said Vin to his family.  “The girls aren’t in dresses, they’re in capris.  You had us worried for nothing.”

“I know,” Gino said with a laugh.  “Maria, Sophia and Gabby told them not to get dresses since they were going bowling.”

“So all of you were in on it?” asked Dom angrily.

“Yeah, but it wasn’t our idea, but I wish it would’ve been.  It’s classic,” said Damian as he laughed.

“We’ll talk about this later,” Vin responded with a snarl.  He took a deep breath to calm down before he and Dom walked over to the girls and he pulled Brianna tightly to his side as he leaned down and kissed her gently.  Dom held out his hand and when Morgan placed her hand in his he smiled before leaning down so she could scent him.  He knew allowing her to scent him would put her at ease and he barely suppressed his growl when she bared her neck to him after she was done.

“We ready to get this show on the road?” asked Matt with a smile. 

The girls said they’d be back and ran upstairs and Vin looked at Todd who said quietly, “They forgot their pocketbooks; they’ve never had one before.  We had a big discussion earlier about what they should have in there; so I gave them $20, they have their school ID’s, cell phones and some makeup.” 

Dom nodded and said, “We’ll make sure they don’t leave them.”  He looked at Matt and Phil saying quietly, “I’d like to thank you for agreeing to chaperone.  I know it’ll put them at ease rather than having my family with us, especially Morgan.”

“It’s no problem,” said Phil with a gleam in his eye as he looked at his brother.  “We figured you’d rather have us than him.”  Vin and Dom didn’t answer but smiled making Papa Mike and Nana Ellen laugh.  

“Okay, we’re ready,” Morgan said softly as she walked into the kitchen. 

Todd, Holly, Papa Mike and Nana Ellen hugged the girls goodbye and Holly said, “They’re your mates and they’ll be overprotective but they’ll want to make you happy no matter what, so relax and have a good time.  Remember to listen to the boys, Uncle Matt and Uncle Phil if they sense danger.”

Todd looked at Vin and Dom giving them both a glare as he said, “You’d better take good care of my daughters.”

“We will Sir,” they said at the same time before Vin said, “We’ll have them home by 11.”  Todd nodded and walked them to Matt’s SUV watching as Vin and Brianna got in the third row and Dom and Morgan in the middle.  They waved before pulling away and Todd stared at the end of the driveway for several minutes. 

“They’ll be fine,” said Papa Mike as he put his hand on his sons shoulder.  “They have their mates and their uncles with them.”

Todd sighed loudly before saying, “I know Dad, but they’ll always be my babies.  Erin and Caitlin are going on their first dates tomorrow and before you know it, somebody’ll be making declarations for them too.”

Papa Mike shrugged and said, “That is the way of our life.  So far Luna has given you two strong son in laws and aligned you with a powerful family that will protect the rest of our family.  We have truly been blessed by her.”  Todd nodded and his father continued, “Now, let’s go inside and work on the plans for the store a little more.  Your mother is getting anxious and so is your mate.”

At the Carlucci’s, dinner was being served; baked ziti, with platters of meatballs, sweet and hot Italian sausage, homemade garlic bread and salad.  The youngsters were laughing while they discussed what movie they were going to watch and the adults talked quietly about everything that happened that week.

The drive to Carmelo’s was quiet for the first few minutes and Phil sensed the girls anxiety and asked, “What do you want on your first authentic pizza?  Mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, onions, sausage, pepperoni, meatballs?”

“Do we have to pick one?” asked Morgan quietly.

“You can have whatever you want.  We’ll order six pizzas with different toppings so you can figure out what you like,” Dom answered as he reached over to hold her hand.  Seeing the confusion on her face he said, “Vin and I eat a whole pizza each and my favorite is a Supreme, that’s one with everything.” 

“Sounds good,” said Vin as he nuzzled Brianna’s neck.  “What do you want?”

“Meatballs and green peppers,” she replied with a giggle.

“I think I’d like to try pepperoni and black olives, if that’s okay,” said Morgan as she looked at Dom with a questioning look.

“Whatever you want, you’ll get,” he replied again and felt his wolf lie down and roll over baring his belly to its mate.  Twenty minutes later Carmelo was placing a large Antipasto in front of them and Dom and Vin made sure their mates were served first.  Explaining what the various meats and cheeses were, they watched their reaction and noted what they liked and didn’t like.     

“Your pizzas will be out in twenty,” said Carmelo as he smiled at Matt and Phil.  “I see you got stuck with chaperone duty.”

Matt smiled at his mate and said, “We were planning on having date night anyway because we’ll be busy the whole weekend, with the football game and then cutting wood for the family on Sunday.” 

Carmelo nodded, “Tell Todd my boys and I’ll be there to help.  I’ll bring thirty pounds of sausage patties.”  Matt nodded and Brianna and Morgan eyes got huge as Vin and Dom laughed.

“We eat a lot,” said Vin with a shrug as Carmelo laughed before walking away. 

On schedule their six pizzas came and Morgan gasped as Dom put one slice of each on her plate.  “You don’t have to finish them, just try them to see what you like,” he whispered.  She looked at her sister and saw Vin had done the same thing for her and she watched Dom, following his motions before taking a bite of each. 

“The Supreme is my favorite but I don’t like the mushrooms,” she said and Dom took the rest off her plate and gave her two more slices of the Supreme after taking the mushrooms off by hand.  She saw Vin doing the same to Brianna leaving her with the pepperoni.  Wondering how accommodating he would be, she said, “I like the bread sticks too.”  Without a word, he gave her the breadsticks from his plate.  “I thought the Supreme was your favorite?  I don’t want to take it from you.”

“It is, but if you like it then that’s what you’ll get,” he replied as he finished another slice of four cheese while he watched carefully making sure she had enough to drink and eat.  “Next time, we’ll order it without mushrooms.” 

“Momma was right; they will do anything to make us happy.  He gave me his favorite pizza and his breadsticks,” Morgan said happily to her sister.

“I told you the same thing,” replied Brianna.  “But remember what else Momma said, not to take advantage of it and to make sure they’re happy too.  That’s what mates are supposed to do.”   

Morgan glanced at Dom and he whispered, “I didn’t have a chance to tell you how beautiful you look.”

“You do too….I mean you look handsome,” she said with a shy smile.

Brianna pushed against Vin’s shoulder and said in a teasing voice, “You didn’t tell me I look nice.”

“I thought I showed you how much I liked your outfit in the SUV,” said Vin with a grin as she blushed while Matt choked on his drink.

As soon as he was able to talk, Matt said, “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that or see the two of you in the rear-view mirror.”  Brianna’s face got even redder while Vin laughed and Dom stared at his mate wondering how long it was going to be before he could kiss her, both he and his wolf couldn’t wait.

Morgan could feel his gaze on her and took a deep breath before laying her head on his shoulder as she snuggled into his chest.  She felt his sharp intake of breath as he brought his arm around her shoulders and kissed her gently on the forehead.  Tingles raced along her skin and she heard his growl before he whispered, “Mine.”

She nuzzled his neck and whispered, “Mine.”  Feeling the low growl reverberate through his chest she closed her eyes as a feeling of safety and love rushed through her before an image of that night flashed through her mind.  Feeling her tense and correctly guessing what she was thinking, Dom whispered, “I will never hurt you, you mean everything to me Zenzero.  Remember what I told you the day we met, that making you happy and keeping you safe are the number one priorities in my life and that will never change.”  Hearing the sincerity in his tone and knowing her wolf trusted him Morgan started to relax and continued to scent him.

“You okay sweetie?” asked Phil with a concerned look on his face.

“Just bad memories Uncle Phil, but Dom chases them away,” she replied and turned slightly so she could reach for her uncle’s hand.  Feeling him squeeze it, she calmed down even more knowing she was surrounded by people who loved her.  Sensing peace flow through her Dom looked at Phil and mouthed ‘Thank you’, Phil nodded and didn’t let go of her hand, knowing she needed it to ground her.  Dinner continued while they talked about the football game, but Morgan didn’t move from her position, holding onto her uncle’s hand while being held by her mate.

Carmelo and his staff cleared the empty dishes before he came back and said, “Do you want dessert or anything else?”

Phil shook his head and said, “I think we’re done.  Could you add this to our tab?”  Seeing Vin and Dom ready to protest he said, “Let us pay for dinner, we’ll never have little ones so the girls are the closest thing we’ll ever have.” 

“Thank you,” said Vin with a smile.  Matt and Phil nodded and minutes later they were in the SUV on the way to Bellucci’s.

At the Carlucci’s, the youngsters decided to swim before watching a movie and Alberto sat on a chaise with Maria since she couldn’t get her cast wet.  Sophia and Gabby came outside after getting changed and Gabby laughed as she saw Sal flexing as he compared muscle size with Damian.  “Nice chest Salvatore,” she shouted as she took her cover-up off and put it on a chaise near Alberto and Maria.

Remembering the instructions to compliment her, he shouted back, “You too.”  As the words were coming out of his mouth he realized what he was saying but couldn’t stop.  He froze and heard dead silence as everyone stared at him with their mouths open and he said, “Oh damn…I ugh…you know I…well, I meant…Could somebody just fucking kill me now?  Just put me out of my misery please.”

To his surprise Angelo started laughing first followed by Alberto then the Carlucci’s.  He looked at Gabby and she was bright red, but had a smile on her face as she asked, “You like my new bathing suit?” 

Sal gulped loudly as he looked at her in the gold and black one piece swimsuit and stammered, “Ugh…oh… yeah…it…it looks…and uhmm …and you look…well… yeah…and I mean…”  He took a deep breath covering his face with his hands as he muttered, “Fuck my life.”  Looking at the other boys who were laughing hysterically he said, “Help me.  Somebody please help me for fucks sake, I’ve turned into a blathering idiot again.”

“Tell her she looks amazing,” said Marcus as he wiped the tears off his face.

“And the gold brings out the highlights in her hair,” added Damian as he leaned against the side of the pool as he caught his breath.

“Take a deep breath and calm yourself down first,” Anthony said as he sat down with Sophia on a chaise next to Alberto and Maria.

Sal took a deep breath and said in a rush, “The gold brings out the highlights in your hair and you look amazing.”  Gabby beamed but before she could answer, Gino snuck up behind Sal and knocked him into the pool.  Sophia, Maria and Gabby looked at each other and tried not to laugh as Sal came spluttering to the surface.

When they arrived at the bowling alley, Vin and Dom bought Brianna and Morgan Dexter bowling shoes as Vin explained they bowled a lot and it was easier to have their own shoes.  Seeing the admiring looks the girls were getting from other boys, Dom asked Tom Bellucci for a lane away from everyone and he agreed; he knew how jealous Vin and Dom would get if somebody approached their intendeds and he didn’t want the boys to get into an argument or a fight on their date.  After looking at the lanes he told them the two far right lanes were open, the family there was finished and putting on their shoes.  Vin and Dom nodded and held the girls hands as they walked to the lanes, glaring at the boys who were staring at their intendeds.  While they waited for the family to leave, Vin and Phil went to the lockers to get their shoes and bowling balls while Dom and Matt stayed with the girls. 

“We’ll spend as much time as you need teaching you how to bowl.  The hardest part is getting your steps down and sliding.  After you put your shoes on, rub them on the carpet to scuff up the leather on the bottom a little, it’ll help you slide,” Dom said continuing to glare at the boys who were now openly staring at Brianna and Morgan. He recognized them from playing sports against them and being part of the social scene around the Hagerstown area.

“Hey Carlucci, who’re the babes?  We haven’t seen them around here before,” Dom heard someone shout.  He looked to the crowd of boys and saw it was Harry Weaver, the quarterback for South Hagerstown High School. 

Dom stood up to his full height of 6’3” crossing his arms over his chest as he replied, “They’re our girlfriends Weaver, show some respect.” 

“If something happens, I want the two of you behind me or Uncle Phil.  Don’t do or say anything to the boys, let your mates handle it,” Matt said in a firm tone.  He glanced around noting there were now forty boys gathered and said, “Forget that, move towards me now, but do it slow so you don’t distract Dom.  He needs to keep his concentration on that crowd.”  He nodded with approval as Brianna and Morgan slowly made their way towards him. “Phil, we need you out here now.”

“Vin, get your ass out here now,” Dom said angrily. 

“Girlfriends, huh?  Well, when you’re done with them this evening, pass them this way,” another guy hollered and the boys started to laugh and give each other high-fives and fist pumps. 

Dom turned making sure his mate and her sister were okay and sensing his brother and Phil running from the locker room, he took a step forward saying forcefully, “Shut the fuck up.  I said they were our girlfriends; show some fucking respect before I beat it into you.”

Seeing Vin and Phil running towards them, some of the boys looked nervous, they had no wish to go against Vin or Dom let alone the two older men.  Tom saw what was happening and called his sons, Robert, Duke and Jerome.  They came running and Robert said, “Is there a problem?  If not, go back to your lanes, if you’re not bowling then you can leave.”  The three brothers stood side by side next to Vin and Dom while Matt and Phil stood in front of the girls. 

The crowd of boys looked at each other and Vin said, “My brother told you we were on a date with our girlfriends.  So, I suggest you leave.  If you have something to say, say it in two weeks when we play each other and we’ll settle it on the field.”   

“You’re talking big Carlucci with all those older guys with you,” said Harry Weaver as he narrowed his eyes. 

Vin raised his eyebrow and said, “And you have your whole fucking football team with you Weaver.  Like I said, we’ll deal with it on the field, when I have my brothers, cousins and the rest of my team with me.”

“I’m sure Lorenzo would like another go at you.  Don’t you remember the party last spring in Williamsport when he broke your nose and knocked your ass out because you said you couldn’t wait to date his sister?” asked Dom with a smirk before his face broke out in a smile.  “And by the way, she’s dating Alberto Moretti… I’m sure he’d be interested in hearing what you said about his girlfriend.”

Harry visibly paled and his voice was uneven as he said, “She’s dating Moretti?”  Vin and Dom nodded and Harry who didn’t want to appear to be backing down said in a nasty tone, “We’ll see you in two weeks.”  The Carlucci’s didn’t say anything just stood there with their arms crossed over their chests.

After the crowd of boys left, Duke looked at Vin and Dom and said in a teasing tone, “It’s always something with you Carlucci’s, isn’t it?”

Vin and Dom laughed as they turned to check on their mates who were peeking around Matt and Phil.  Seeing the boys gone and Duke and Jerome there, Morgan asked, “How are Emory and Cynthia?”

Duke groaned and said, “Emory insisted on coming here to help Dad do the books, but all she’s done is sit at the snack bar eating chili cheese fries, cheese popcorn and nachos.  I’ll be up all night because she’ll have heartburn.”

“And Cynthia is sitting with her, eating her weight in hamburgers and fries since she doesn’t have morning sickness anymore,” said Jerome with a smile.

Morgan looked at Dom and asked quietly, “Can we see them before we leave?”  He nodded quickly and pulled her into his side scenting her deeply as he felt his wolf start to calm down.  After thanking the Bellucci’s again, the three couples went to their lanes where they changed their shoes and the next half hour was spent showing Brianna and Morgan how to bowl duckpins.  Being Were’s, they had natural athletic ability and soon were bowling as if they had done it their entire lives.  Brianna suggested they start a game and Morgan suggested mates against mates; Brianna, Dom and Matt against her, Vin and Phil and the men readily agreed since they were competitive by nature.

Anthony tilted his head back, followed moments later by the boys as he said, “My parents and Dante are here, I wonder what’s going on.”  Minutes later the French doors opened and the adults walked out onto the patio settling around the tables.  Frank and Joe brought drinks for everyone and they started talking quietly while the youngsters shrugged and continued to horse around in the pool until they heard their Alpha say, “Anthony, could you come up here please.”  Seeing the looks on the other youngsters faces Carlo smiled and said, “The rest of you can join us too.”  They hurriedly dried off and joined the adults.

He looked at Sophia, Maria and Gabby and said quietly, “I know you’re probably anxious about what I told the adults today.  I didn’t want the Miller girls to find out about their friends in public and I wanted each parent to explain it to the younger ones.”  He grabbed his mates hands before he continued, “The three girls who had been missing from their Pack were killed by Charles.  I’m not going to tell you what happened to them, I’ll only say after hearing what happened we are more determined than ever to make sure you stay safe.  It’ll be up to your parents if they give you details, but believe me you’re better off not knowing.”

Sophia and Maria looked to their parents and Frank and Joe were shaking their heads emphatically, and Frank said, “There’s no fucking way I’m telling you what they went through.  I wish I didn’t know, but as Alpha Carlo said we are more determined than ever to protect you.”  The girls nodded and burrowed deeper into their intendeds side while Gabby reached out for Sal’s hand who squeezed it reassuringly.

Carlo looked at them and said, “This next part is confidential and I don’t want you to talk about it until I fill the other Betas in then the rest of the Pack.  I’ll tell the Level 4’s tonight and everyone else this weekend.”  They nodded and Carlo continued, “Doc brought up an interesting point, one you need to be aware of when you’re making your escape plans…He believes with the upcoming threat the birth rate will skyrocket in the next year.”  Seeing the looks of confusion on their faces he said, “You know mates cannot survive without each other; but if the male dies and the female is pregnant or has little ones, their wolf will force itself to live to make sure the little one is safe since they’re the last remaining part of their mate.  He believes when their mates go into heat the younger men will make sure their mates conceive, not only to carry on their genetic line but to protect their mates so they don’t die.  It’ll be instinctual with them, their wolf will take over.”

Frank sat back and sighed, “I hadn’t thought of that, but it makes perfect sense.  A male Were is the most protective of their mate when they’re pregnant and after the little ones are born.”

“Doc’s right,” Annie said quietly as Rose and Gina nodded.  “But it won’t only be the males; the females will want to conceive too.  Knowing their mates will possibly die, they’ll do anything to keep a piece of them alive.”

There was silence as everyone thought of what had been said and Gina said quietly, “It wouldn’t surprise me if some of the other women went into heat also; those who had stopped years before, after their daughters had been born.”  Everyone snapped their heads towards their Madame Alpha and she shrugged, “Think about it, their wolves know their entire family is in danger; to protect the bloodlines they may go into heat again to ensure the bloodline survives.”

Carlo stared at his mate for several moments and squeezed her hand, “If Luna blessed us with a little one I would be overjoyed; but I don’t want you to get upset if it doesn’t happen.  You and Anthony are all the family I need and when Angelica died…”  He stopped and stared at his son as he blinked away his tears thinking of his little girl and how much she had looked like Anthony.

“I know Carlo, you don’t have to say anything,” Gina said quietly as she laid her head on his chest.  She felt his arms encircle her and burrowed deeper into his comforting warmth and sighed in contentment when she felt her sons arms encircle both of them.  Everyone was quiet as they didn’t want to intrude and lowered their gazes to give them privacy.

Minutes later Carlo cleared his throat but didn’t let go of his mate and he held his sons hand as he said, “Doc’s ordering extra supplies for the anticipated births, for the clinic and the safe room.  He’s also ordering an ultrasound machine and more medical equipment, so we need to make sure the electrical system in the safe room can support them.  Frank and Joe, if you think we need it, buy another generator.  Rose and Annie, make sure there are extra supplies in the safe room; cribs, diapers, and whatever else you feel is needed.  He also wants everyone to take classes to make sure if the women go in labor during the battle they have the proper care.  I mean everyone…boys too.”  He smiled at the excited looks on the girls faces and started to laugh at the disgusted looks on the boys faces.

Enzo nodded and said, “We’ll make sure to account for this when we make our plans Alpha Carlo.  Gino, Paulo, Michael and I decided we would distribute duties and have regular meetings to change or update our plans as needed.” 

Carlo nodded as he looked the four boys in the eye and said, “I’m not worried, that’s why I put the four of you in charge.  You’re Carlucci’s through and through, you’ll always do what you think is best for the Pack.”

“Being a Rossi Alpha has always been made easier because we have always had your family standing with us.  They have stood in front of us taking the brunt of the attack, at our side through the hard times and most importantly behind us to protect our backs from our enemies,” said Dante as he looked at Ric, Rocco, Frank and Joe who sat up straight, basking in the praise from their two Alphas.  He glanced at Carlo and Anthony before he said, “Even if you all are incredibly stupid.”

The four men, Dante, Carlo and Anthony threw their heads back and roared with laughter while the youngsters looked at each other like they had lost their minds.  “What the hell kind of compliment is that?” asked Damian with a scowl as the men laughed even harder.

Dom watched his intended in amazement; gone was the shy, timid girl and in her place was a vivacious outspoken young lady who cheered, jeered and heckled everyone.  He’d never seen her like this and wondered if this was what she was like around her family and if she was feeling comfortable enough around him and Vin to finally be herself.  Remembering what Madame Gina had said about her personality before she witnessed the rape of her friends, he felt like he was finally seeing the real Morgan Miller and he was completely captivated.  At the end of the second game he looked at the clock and said, “We’d better go, we promised we’d have you home by 11, and it’s almost 10.” 

“But we can’t stop, we’re tied, we each won a game,” said Morgan putting her hands on her hips as she frowned at her mate.  “There wasn’t a winner, we’ve got to have a winner and I know we were going to win next game and beat you.”

He pulled her into his side and whispered, “We’ll finish next time, my competitive mate.  I don’t want to get your Dad mad at me for having you out too late and you said you wanted to talk to Emory and Cynthia before we left.”

Morgan let out a large huff, “Okay, but I don’t like it.”  She narrowed her eyes and took a step up, bringing them almost eye to eye, “Admit it Dominic Carlucci, I was getting too good and skeered you.”

Dom threw back his head and laughed as he said, “Zenzero, last game I rolled a 168 and you had a 92.  Yes, you were getting better but remember I was bowling with my left hand, if I was bowling with my dominant hand like you, I would probably have bowled a near perfect game.  That would be a little suspicious so we always bowl with the other hand, just like when we play sports we always use the other hand or hold back on our athletic abilities.  Appearances must be kept.”

Morgan thought over what he said and he saw the twinkle in her eye, “I still think you were skeered.”  She turned and ran to her uncles and stuck her tongue out at him before she started to laugh.  Matt looked down and saw she still had on her bowling shoes and reminded her to change shoes and get her pocketbook.  She looked up and saw Dom holding her Keds and pocketbook and she burst out laughing and waited while he brought them to her.  After Vin and Phil put their shoes and bowling balls in the lockers, the group went to the snack bar where Emory and Cynthia were sitting in the back corner away from everybody.

“How was the date?” asked Emory excitedly.  “You two look beautiful.”  Cynthia motioned for them to join them at the table.

“Thanks, we went to Carmelo’s then came here.  It was so exciting and exactly what we wanted,” said Brianna with a big smile as Morgan nodded.  “How are you feeling?  Is the little one moving a lot?”

Cynthia started to laugh and said, “She thought she was in labor ten minutes ago, but it was gas from all the food she ate.  You should’ve seen Duke, he was so nervous I thought he was going to pass out.”

“She’s finally over her morning sickness, so she’s starting to eat everything in sight,” added Emory with a smile.  “At two months, she’s a third of the way through the pregnancy and the little one is starting to move.”

“I can’t wait until I have a little one,” said Morgan quietly as she glanced at Dom who was standing with his back to them as his eyes raked the bowling alley.  He heard her and couldn’t help his body tensing as he thought of her round with his little one, but he didn’t want to scare her by showing any other reaction.  He could feel his wolf stand at attention at the thought of their mate having their little one and he started pacing back and forth.

“Are you going to the game?” asked Brianna.  “Sophia, Maria and Gabby have been giving us extra practices so we know the routines, but we’re nervous.  I’m afraid I’ll get up there and forget everything.”

Emory frowned, “No, Alpha Carlo won’t let any pregnant females, young ones or little ones off the territory.  It’s always been that way and this year all those deemed vulnerable will be in the safe room, he doesn’t want to take any chances.”

“But we’ll be at the home game in two weeks against South,” said Cynthia with a smile.  “We’ll see you then.”

“I’ll be there, if I can fit in the car,” said Emory with a grimace as she rubbed her stomach.  “I’ll be two weeks away from my due date then.  Right now he feels huge but Doc said in the last month he’ll get even bigger.”  She looked at her stomach and laughed, “I can’t see how that could possibly happen, I’m enormous.”  She glanced at her stomach again and started to cry, “I look like a beached whale, I’m a fat cow and my stomach is so big I’m going to burst open any second.”

Brianna and Morgan looked at each other unsure of what was going on, one minute she was laughing the next she was in tears.  Cynthia leaned over and grabbed her hand and said, “You’re fine, it’s just the hormones talking.”

Duke came running around the corner, “Sweetie, what’s the matter?”

Emory looked at him and said in a quavering voice, “It’s your fault I’m fat.”

“I keep telling you that you’re not fat, you’re pregnant Sweetie.  That’s our little one in there and as soon as he’s born you’ll feel better,” Duke said in a calm reassuring voice.  “Do you want some ice cream?”  Emory sniffed as she nodded and he came back moments later with a big bowl of vanilla ice cream with hot fudge and cool whip.  He looked at the other three and asked, “Do you want some too?”  They shook their heads and watched as Emory attacked the bowl of ice cream and asked for some onion rings to dip in it.

“We’ve got to go, we don’t want to be late,” said Vin quietly as the girls hugged and said goodbye.  On their way out, the Bellucci men wished them luck; it was the first football game they had missed in years.  Carlo wanted extra men left behind to guard those staying in the safe room for added protection, so it would be one of the smallest crowds ever going to Shenandoah Pack.  Minutes later they were in the SUV, Morgan and Dom in the third seat and Vin and Brianna in the second.  Morgan was quiet as she tried not to glance at Vin and Brianna who were nuzzling each others neck and whispering quietly before they started to kiss.

“Dom, can I ask you something?” she asked in a voice so quiet he barely heard her as she glanced at her shoes.

He put his hand under her chin to turn her head towards him and answered just as quietly, “You can ask me anything.”

“Well, this kiss thing…you know uhmm, the first kiss…how would it…would I or you…” she stopped talking as she looked deep into his emerald eyes and saw them dilate taking on an amber tint.  She heard his low growl as a shiver raced up her spine and she held her breath as his eyes lowered to fixate on her lips.  Morgan made a movement towards him but Dom wasn’t sure if it was from the motion of the SUV or she was leaning in.  His eyes moved to stare into hers, ready to pull back if he saw hesitation or fear, even if it would kill him.  Seeing nothing but excitement and trust in the sparkling grey eyes, his eyes flashed amber and he groaned as he brought his head down slowly as their lips finally met. 

The kiss was whisper soft, their lips barely touching but to Morgan it felt like Dom was branding her and marking her as his own and her wolf couldn’t be happier; she was prancing back and forth in delight, her tail high in the air.  The human part of Morgan was almost overwhelmed; his scent surrounded her, the heat radiating off him made her skin feel like it was on fire, the hand gently caressing her cheek was sending tingles racing over her skin and she felt light-headed from the combination of the sensations… but she didn’t want him to stop.

Dom’s wolf stopped pacing and sat down howling his satisfaction at being this close to his mate and he couldn’t control the feral growl that came from within him.  Feeling no resistance from his mate he slowly deepened the kiss, moving his lips with increased pressure back and forth until he felt Morgan relax her lips and slightly part them; this was what he wanted and what he had been waiting for.  Not wanting to overwhelm her, he continued to go slowly as he gently tilted her head to a better angle as he ran the tip of his tongue over her lower lip before sliding his tongue into her mouth.  Feeling her shudder he growled again as he rubbed his tongue against hers and felt her first timid response as she mimicked what he was doing.  He felt her hands settle on his shoulders and he kept one hand firmly on the back of her head and the other fisted on his leg.

Less than a minute later Morgan started to pull back and Dom instantly let her go and leaned against the side of the SUV as he took slow deep breaths.  She glanced at him with a shy grin before she hid her face in her hands.  Dom laughed quietly and sat up pulling her into his side as he whispered, “That was even better than I thought it would be, it was absolutely amazing, beyond amazing.”

“Are…are you going to be kissing me like that all the time?” asked Morgan as she blushed bright red.

“I think your Dad might have some objections if we did that all the time, though I would like to…I’d really really like to,” Dom answered with a growl.  “We’ll kiss like that when we have some privacy and you can kiss me whenever you want to, I don’t always have to be the one to start.  But I’d also like to start kissing you like this whenever we want.”  He leaned down and kissed her gently on the mouth and was satisfied when Morgan sighed.

“I think I’d like that,” Morgan said as she buried her head in his neck.  “I…I think I’d like to do it again, if you want.”  Dom didn’t answer, growling instead as he brought his head back down to hers and started kissing her again.

Matt glanced in the rearview mirror to check the traffic since he had to change lanes and saw both couples kissing.  He reached out to hold his mates hand, “Morgan’s learning to trust again, my mate.  I think after tonight we’ll have a completely different Morgan to watch over, protect and love.”

Phil sighed as he squeezed Matt’s hand, “Dominic and Vincent are good for them, they can help them heal after the hell they went through.  Just like we helped each other and our new family has filled the emptiness inside of us both.”

“Always together, until the end,” Matt said as he looked at Phil who nodded as he smiled back at his mate.  They were five minutes from the Millers house when Matt spoke loudly, causing the couples to jump apart, “Anytime you want to go out again, let us know.  We had a great dinner, almost got in a fight, bowled two good games and were entertained by all the goings on back there on the way home.”

Phil turned in his seat and looked at the youngsters before he started smiling, “Girls, you need to fix your hair and lipstick.  Boys, you need to wipe the lipstick off your face and neck.  Other than that, I think we’re good.”  Morgan and Brianna dove for their pocketbooks to get their compacts to see what Phil was saying, while Vin and Dom laughed as they followed Phil’s instructions.  They pulled in front of the garage with minutes to spare before the curfew and Phil took a look at the girls nodding before they went into the house.

They were met in the hallway by Todd who examined his daughters with a critical eye and said loudly, “Why are your lips swollen?  Your lipstick’s smeared too.”  Brianna and Morgan blushed as their hands flew to cover their mouths and their eyes were wide as they looked at the guilty expression on their mates.  Dom shoved his hands in his pockets and Vin hunched his shoulders as he rubbed the back of his neck as both boys suddenly developed a fixation on their shoes. 

“Todd Miller, leave them alone,” shouted Holly as she came down the hall with a smile on her face.  “Don’t you remember what it was like when we were dating?  At the end of the evening you had on more lipstick than I did.”

He glared at Vin and Dom who were looking everywhere but at him, “That was completely different, you were my mate and THEY are my daughters.”

Holly rolled her eyes as she smacked Todd on the arm, “Todd, even for you that doesn’t make any sense.  Brianna and Morgan are THEIR mates.”

“Daughters trump mates,” Todd said as he raised his eyebrow as Matt and Phil couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst out laughing.  Todd glared at them before he started to laugh, “I’m losing my mind, and I think Luna giving me ten daughters has been payback for what I did when I was young.”

Holly said with a smile, “Come in the kitchen, we have cake and cookies.”  At the mention of food, Vin and Dom quickly ushered their intendeds into the kitchen and got excited seeing the three cakes and plates of cookies on the table.

Vin noticed how quiet everything was and asked, “Where is everybody?”

“Asleep,” Todd replied as he poured each youngster a glass of milk.  “With fourteen people in the house we have to wake up hours before everybody else to get ready.  That reminds me, I need to talk to your Dad about getting a bigger hot water heater or adding another one, the one we have isn’t big enough.”

Vin and Dom nodded as Holly put a big slice of each cake on plates and handed it to them.  She looked at the girls who shook their heads and instead grabbed a sugar cookie.  After taking a bite of chocolate cake Vin said, “I’ll let him know, he can take a look at it Sunday.  The Moretti’s will be here to help too and Mr. M is bringing thirty pounds of sausage patties to help with breakfast.  Mom is sending over two breakfast casseroles, so you’ll have to heat them.”

“What’s a breakfast casserole?” asked Holly as she took a bite of the vanilla cake.  As Holly was talking to the boys, Todd looked at his brothers and asked them for details on how the date went and Matt and Phil made sure to let Todd know how protective and caring the boys were.

“It’s two layers of buttered bread, hash browns, cheese, sausage, onions, mushrooms green peppers and she pours scrambled eggs over it and bakes it.  She serves it with sausage gravy,” answered Vin as he started to eat the red velvet cake.

Dom whispered, “I’ll make sure she leaves out the mushrooms.”  Morgan nodded; pleased he would think about that.

Todd looked at the clock and said, “Okay girls, time for bed.  I’d like to talk with your intendeds alone.”  Vin and Dom swallowed noisily and walked their mates to the kitchen door giving them a kiss on their foreheads.  As much as they wanted to kiss them, with their Dad glaring at them they figured that was better.

“We’ll be here at 8,” whispered Dom as the girls went down the hallway, with Holly closely following them as she asked them questions about how the date went.  Vin and Dom glanced at each other and slowly walked back to the table. 

“Sit down,” Todd said in a menacing tone which didn’t help the boys unease.  Todd continued to glare at them for several minutes before saying, “The reason I wanted to talk to you is we haven’t told the girls about their friends yet.  We talked it over and didn’t want to ruin this weekend for them, with their first dates and the football game. But I’d like you to be there when we tell them Sunday evening.” 

“Yes Sir, we have training from 5 to 7, but we’ll come right after,” said Vin as he exhaled slowly as he glanced at his twin, knowing there was more coming. 

“I understand you almost got in a fight protecting my daughters; made sure they ate well but most of all had fun.  That’s all a father could ask for, but I do have one request…don’t slobber all over my daughters in front of me.”  Vin and Dom blushed bright red and nodded as Todd continued, “I can see a lot of myself in the two of you; I know what I was like at that age and how I felt after I made my declaration for Hols and to be honest…it scares the hell out of me, they’re my babies.”

“I want you to know we’ll always treat your daughters with respect and protect them Sir,” Vin said in a firm tone.

Dom nodded and said, “Madame Gina told me what happened with Morgan, and I want you to know I’ve let her dictate the pace of everything we’ve done, including our first kiss.  I would never do anything she’s not ready for.”

Todd nodded and smiled for the first time, “That’s all a father wants to hear.  Now finish your cake and get the hell home.  We’ve got a long day ahead of us and I understand since Shenandoah Pack is isolated, you’ll be able to play against them full strength.”  Vin and Dom laughed and the five men sat and talked about football until all three cakes and the cookies were gone.

Vin looked at the clock and saw it was almost midnight, “We’ve really got to go Sir.  We’ll be here at 8.”  Todd nodded and walked the four men to the door and watched the vehicles pull out of the driveway before locking and alarming the house.

Vin and Dom entered the house quietly, reset the alarm and noticed the light under the door to their Dad’s study.  After knocking, they waited for permission before entering and weren’t surprised to see the men having a beer.  “How was the date?” asked Frank with a smile.

“Good,” Dom answered.  “Ate pizza, bowled, Weaver showed his ass and we almost got into a fight, took the girls home.  Oh, and Nana Ellen made chocolate, red velvet and vanilla cake and cookies too…chocolate chip, sugar and oatmeal raisin.”

“And she made brownies with cream cheese and cherries, one of the best things I’ve ever eaten,” said Vin as he rubbed his stomach.  

The men started to laugh and Ric said in a teasing tone, “You go out with your beautiful intendeds and the only thing you talk about is what you ate?”

Vin and Dom looked at each other and smiled as Vin said, “That’s all we’re telling you bunch of degenerates.  See you in the morning.”

They were almost out of the room when Frank said in a loud voice, “You might want to put some Spray ‘n Wash on your shirts…it’ll get the lipstick stains out.”  They halted in their tracks as the men burst out laughing. 

As soon as they got in the laundry room, they took off their shirts, noticing the stains on their collars.  “No wonder Mr. Miller was so mad at us,” said Vin as he began to laugh.  “I’m surprised Phil didn’t let us know.”

“It’s on the side towards the back, he probably didn’t see it,” Dom said with a shrug before he started to laugh too.  “At least it’s a light color and not bright red.”

“Well Gentlemen, I’m going to bed, 4:30 comes bright and early,” said Frank with a grimace as he got up and stretched.  “Ric and Rocco, the blankets and pillows are in the hall closet, Luc the crib is set up for you in the family room.”

“Vaffanculo Francesco,” said Luc in a haughty tone as the men started laughing loudly.  (Fuck you Frank)

At 4:50, Frank, Joe and the Italians were at the pool house when the Moretti’s and Rossi’s joined them.  The boys, except Damian, would jog around the side yard and do light weight work since they had the game.  “We’ve got to do this at a better time, I hate waking up so fucking early,” said Carlo glaring at Frank and Joe.

“You whine worse then Luc,” said Frank with a smile as he punched his mates cousin on the shoulder.  “Let’s start, we’re going to increase our pace, I want to do the ten mile run in forty-five minutes.”  The men groaned but didn’t say anything as they followed Frank and Joe into the woods while the boys started their jog.

After their workout, everyone showered and dressed; the girls in their cheerleading uniforms and the boys in their school uniforms plus ties.  After breakfast, the boys loaded the SUV’s with their equipment and at 8, they were pulling into the Millers driveway.  Lorenzo and Gianni pulled their trucks to the side of the driveway since they would be riding with the others. Carlo said, “Todd, you need these decals on the back windows of the SUV’s, it shows you’re from SMP.  Did you fill both tanks like Frank said?”  Carlo handed him SMHS decals with the picture of the husky howling in front of the full moon.  Todd nodded and put them on the back of the four new SUV’s they purchased earlier in the week.  “Where are the girls?”

“Inside with Holly and Mom fixing hair bows, adjusting uniforms and other shit I have no clue about,” Todd answered as he rolled his eyes.  “We’ve been up since 5 and it’s been a madhouse in there, Dad and I made sure we stayed out of the way.”  He looked at Sophia and Maria and thought of his daughters as he ran his hands through his hair and said to Frank quietly, “Are you sure it’s safe Frank?  If you say its safe then I’ll feel better.” 

Frank nodded and said quietly, “Shenandoah Pack…well I wouldn’t call them allies, they’re isolated and only follow Alpha Council laws because they have to.”  Seeing the look on Todd’s face he shrugged, “They’re not enemies either, I’d say they were indifferent and we have protocols we follow when we leave our territory.  Anthony and Carlo don’t ride in the same vehicle in case something happens and since I have both future Alpha’s with me, Ric and Rocco will be with us for increased protection.  Your daughters will be well protected, we’ve taken extra precautions and paired the girls with strong fighters, this week we have the benefit of having the Italians here.”  Frank stopped talking as he saw Damian and Annie pull in the driveway.

“Is there anything you guys don’t think of?” asked Todd.

“We plan for everything and hope nothing happens,” said Frank with a thoughtful expression as he watched Damian pull off to the side of the driveway.

“DOC GAVE ME CLEARANCE NOW LET’S KICK SOME ASS,” he shouted as he ran over to Maria picked her up and spun her around before kissing her loudly on the forehead as she giggled. 

Everyone started to laugh at his excitement except for Alberto who was scowling.  He pulled her gently into his side as he scented her and whispered, “I don’t like the scent of another male on you, even if it is your brother.  I want you to make sure you wear my jacket or my sweatshirt so you carry my scent today.”  Maria remembered the conversation the night Anthony made his declaration and knew Alberto needed reassurance.  She crooked her finger at him and when he bent down, she scented him and whispered in his ear, “Mine.”  As he straightened up, he looked down at her, his eyes half-lidded as he growled out, “Three years.”  Knowing what he was talking about her face flushed bright red and she giggled.

Hearing a commotion, everyone turned to see the Miller girls run out of the house chattering loudly as Nana Ellen and Holly followed making sure the door was locked and alarmed.  It was the first time the Carlucci boys had seen them in their uniforms and their mouths dropped open, they were used to seeing it on their sisters but on the Millers it looked completely different; the blue pleated skirt with white trim ended 3” above the knee and the blue short sleeve top with white decals came to the top of the skirt.  They had matching ribbons in their hair, white ankle socks and white Nike cheerleading shoes with a blue swoosh.  The four youngest had on SMHS white t-shirts with blue decals and matching blue capris.  Vin and Dom moved immediately to their mates pulling them into their sides and scenting their necks, both boys glanced at Todd before placing a quick gentle kiss on their foreheads and Todd narrowed his eyes as Matt and Phil laughed.   

“Fuck,” Lorenzo said as his amber tinted eyes raked Erin from head to toe with a predatory gleam.  Seeing the look he gave her made goose bumps raise on her arms and she smiled tentatively at him and when he growled her eyes widened as she took an involuntary step back.

“Fuck me sideways,” echoed Damian as he zeroed in on Caitlin.  “Every guy at Shenandoah Pack is going to be staring at the six of them and I don’t blame them.  She’s fucking gorgeous…I mean they’re gorgeous.”  Caitlin, Erin, Kelly and Aislin jumped up and down in excitement when Sophia, Maria and Gabby ran up to them and he said with a snarl, “Her skirt is too fucking short again and her top is too tight.  What is with her and wearing children’s clothes?”

“Her outfit isn’t any tighter or shorter than your sisters,” said Alberto as he stared at Maria.  Even though Doc wouldn’t give her clearance to cheer, she still wanted to wear her uniform when she sat in the stands.  He glanced at Ant and saw him staring at Sophia with an intense look on his face, “What’s the matter Ant?”

“Damian’s right, everyone will be staring at our intendeds.  I hope I can control my wolf when we see others staring at what’s ours,” he replied as his eyes flashed amber.  “He’s already on edge knowing his mate is leaving the safety of our territory and it won’t take much to provoke him.”

Marcus walked over and nudged Ant with his shoulder, “When you’re not with her, we’ll be by her side.  Like we always have been and always will be.”  Anthony nodded never taking his eyes off his mate.

Frank and Joe looked at the sheet of paper in Joe’s hand before handing it to Carlo who nodded before saying, “Fiona, Maeve, Gino, Enzo and Dante will be with me; Fallon, Shannon, Paulo, Michael and Luc with Todd; Maria, Kelly, Alberto and Marcus with Joe; Gabby, Aislin, Angelo, Gianni and Gus with Carmelo; Caitlin, Erin, Lorenzo, Damian and Salvatore with Matt; Brianna, Morgan, Vincent, Dominic and Victor with Papa Mike; Sophia, Anthony, Ric and Rocco with Frank.”

“We won’t be riding together,” Sal whispered to Gabby as he frowned. 

Gabby giggled and pulled out her cell phone and whispered, “We’ll text each other.  Next week when we go to Parr Ridge, Gus won’t be here, so hopefully you’ll be able to ride with us then.  And I remembered to bring your hoodie.”

“Load up,” announced Carlo as he and Gina moved to their SUV and minutes later they were on their way to the training center.  The girls did most of the talking and in Matt and Phil’s SUV, Sal sat in the third seat between Erin and Caitlin as all three texted Gabby.  As they pulled in the parking lot Joe, Frank and Carlo counted the cars and Carlo said, “Vinnie and Ed, where protocols followed?  Did you have any problems with the seating arrangement sent out by Frank and Joe?”

“All protocols were followed, we had no problems with the seating assignments, and everyone has their vehicle placements.  Everything is ready Alpha,” said Vinnie.  “I’ve also been to the safe room as requested, all the pregnant females, young ones and little ones are secure.  George is there with Daisy and Jade, so he is in charge since he is the highest ranking Beta.”

“Let’s go,” Carlo said and waited for his spot in the fifty plus vehicle caravan.

Fiona and Maeve turned and watched as each vehicle took their place.  They were in the third seat with Gina so she could get to know them better.  Seeing the questioning look on their face, she said quietly, “Frank and Joe give each vehicle a position; they alternate between vehicles that carry females and those that don’t.  If anything happens, the vehicle filled with males will do everything possible to make sure the vehicle behind them with females escapes.  If you notice in front of us and behind us we have extra vehicles; that is because Carlo is Alpha, and Mr. Frank’s car is the same way because he has Anthony and Sophia.”  

“How long of a drive is it, Ma’am?” asked Fiona as she continued to look out the back window.  “I’m sorry for not looking at you when we’re talking, but I don’t want to miss anything, since we’ve been here we haven’t gone many places.”

Gina smiled at the girls enthusiasm and her eyes met Carlo’s in the rearview mirror, both thinking of their daughter.  “It’ll take one and a half to two hours depending on traffic.  As soon as we enter Virginia, we’ll be met by their Betas who’ll escort us to their compound, ‘Hillside House’.  The Pack doesn’t allow any humans onto their compound and prefer to keep themselves isolated in the mountains.”

Everyone was quiet for several minutes as Maeve and Fiona continued to stare out the windows, before Dante said, “We cannot wait to see the boys play football again.  We have the NFL package on satellite but it is not the same.”  He turned and asked the girls, “Have you ever seen a game in person?”

They shook their heads and Maeve said quietly, “No Sir, on Sundays when we were allowed to see Daddy we’d watch the Cowboys and he explained the game to us, he always said if we understood football then we would understand men.  I always hated the end of the game because they’d take us away again and sometimes we wouldn’t see Mommy and Daddy for days, maybe even a week.  Daddy always said he wished we could do more when we were together but they wouldn’t let us.”

“They had guards at the door of the room so nobody would leave and we had to be real careful of what we said because they could hear everything,” added Fiona with a shudder as she played with a fold in her t-shirt.  “We weren’t allowed to use our bond to talk either, Alpha Davis and Charles forbade it but Daddy could do it, but he didn’t do it often because he got real bad headaches and it made him sick.”

“He would do it on our birthdays or if we were really scared, he would tell us he loved us,” Maeve said in a voice so quiet they barely heard her.  “We tried not to be scared because we knew Mommy and Daddy would be worried but sometimes we couldn’t help it.”  Gina reached out and held their hands squeezing them reassuringly as she looked at the appalled expressions on the others faces.

“Especially at night, in the dorm room,” Fiona said quietly as her eyes became glassy.  “The guards would stand there and watch while we fell asleep.  I didn’t like that at all and sometimes if I woke up in the middle of the night they’d be standing next to our bed staring at us.”  Carlo opened his mouth to say something but closed it when he saw Gina shake her head.  His hands gripping the steering wheel were white and he glanced at Dante and saw his hands were fisted in his lap.  “Daddy told us to hold each other tight when we were scared and if we felt we were in danger he’d come to us even if he got in trouble again…but we didn’t want to see Daddy get hurt again, so we didn’t let him know how scared we really were.”

“After Morgan was hurt, Daddy said he’d find a way for us to leave, even if we had to run away.  Daddy said he and Papa Mike would always protect us and make sure nothing happened, but we were still scared,” Maeve said in a quavering voice.  Gina let go of their hands and put her arm around their shoulders bringing them close to her as she surrounded them with love and protection as their Alpha Female, a woman and a mother, the girls instinctively responded as they burrowed into her side.  “Now we don’t have to be scared because Alpha Carlo, Madame Gina, Alpha Dante, Uncle Matt, Uncle Phil plus Mr. Frank and Mr. Joe are watching out for us.”

“And the Pack Maeve, don’t forget the whole Pack,” added Fiona as she reached over Gina’s lap to hold her sisters hand.

Enzo added quietly, “We promise to protect you no matter what.  More importantly we’ll teach you how to protect yourself so you never have to be afraid again, but we’ll always be there for you.”  A smile broke over his face as he continued, “According to Hope, it only counts if we pinky swears.”  He held his pinky out and Gino did the same, both girls started to laugh as they pinky swore.  Enzo gave a big sigh as he said, “At least I didn’t have to wear a tiara.”  At the girls confused look he said, “Alpha Carlo, if I project what happened, can you send it to the girls?”  Carlo nodded, hoping it would cheer them up and within minutes the girls were laughing loudly as was everyone in the SUV.

As soon as the first vehicle crossed the bridge from Brunswick, MD into Virginia they pulled into a gas station parking lot where four black Chevy Suburbans were waiting.  Gina said quietly, “Alpha Carlo, Mr. Joe, Mr. Vinnie and Mr. G will get out and be officially welcomed onto the territory.  Mr. Frank won’t get out because if anything happens, he needs to get Anthony and Sophia out of harms way.  We don’t expect anything to happen, but it’s the rules Frank and Joe put in place.  Carlo may be Alpha but when it comes to security he always listens to them.”

Seeing the intense look on the girls faces, Gino said, “Mr. G’s full name is Ed Giovanni, but he likes everyone to call him ‘Mr. G’ because he says he doesn’t want to be named after a horse.”  The girls looked at him in confusion and he smiled as he said, “You know the old TV show with the talking horse?  That was Mr. Ed.”  The girls started to giggle and Dante was roaring with laughter.

Moments later everyone was back in their vehicles and the caravan started again, but with two new lead vehicles and two new vehicles bringing up the rear.  “Alpha Carlo Sir, May I ask you a question?” asked Maeve quietly.

“Yes, Maeve you can ask anything,” he smiled at her in the rear view mirror.

“Madame Gina said they welcomed you onto the territory and Daddy said something about having to get permission or it would be trespassing or something,” she said with a frown.  “How did we get here without getting in trouble?”

“Your Daddy and I discussed the best route to get here and I called those Alphas and informed them you were joining my Pack but were already under my protection.  I told them to offer assistance if asked, but you were to be left alone otherwise,” Carlo answered.  “I didn’t tell them there were ten underage females; I only said it was a large family.”  The girls nodded satisfied with the answer and Carlo started pointing out interesting things as they passed through several small towns.

Lorenzo and Damian were slouched in the middle seat of Matt’s SUV as they listened to Sal, Erin and Caitlin talk and laugh as they continued to text Gabby.  Lorenzo was getting madder and madder by the minute and he couldn’t figure out why.  Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore, “What the fuck are you doing Sal?”

“Nothing, we’re texting Gabby,” he replied as he glanced at his cousin.  “Why?”

“First, you’re annoying the hell out of me.  Second, you’re sitting entirely too close to them, I bet the Gabster wouldn’t like to see you rubbing all over them.  Third, you’re annoying the fuck out of me,” Lorenzo said with a growl which caused Erin and Caitlin to glance at him.

Sal flushed as he said, “I’m not rubbing all over them, all we’re doing is texting Gabby.  And where would you like me to sit?  On your lap?  You’re losing your fucking mind Lorenzo.”

“Will the two of you shut the fuck up?  I’m trying to get in the zone and all I hear is blah blah annoying me, blah blah texting, blah blah fucking annoying me, blah blah giggling, blah blah blah blah blah.  Let me tell ya something, BOTH of you are annoying the fuck out of me, you’re killing me here, you’re totally blowing my concentration with the incessant whining,” Damian said grumpily as he opened his eyes and looked at Lorenzo and Sal.  “I’m about ready to ask Matt and Phil to tie me to the luggage rack to get the fuck away from you two.  It’ll be windy, but at least it’s not raining and I’ll be able to work on my tan.”

“Fuck off Damian,” retorted Lorenzo as he turned to stare out the window seeing Erin in the reflection.  His wolf became restless again, pacing back and forth and Lorenzo assumed it was because of the upcoming game but his eyes never left the beautiful girl he was watching. 

In Rose’s SUV, Frank tried to concentrate on driving but kept glancing in the rear view mirror to keep an eye on Anthony and Sophia in the third seat; Anthony’s arm was around her shoulder and her head was pressed against his chest.  They were both aware anything they said could be heard so they were talking through the bond which infuriated Frank; he wanted to hear what was making Sophia giggle and Anthony have a smirk on his face. 

“Leave them alone.  Don’t you remember what we were like after you finally made your declaration?” Rose asked as she smiled at her mate.

“That’s exactly why I won’t leave them alone,” replied Frank with a snort.

Paulo’s hands flew over the laptop keyboard as he talked with Holly about the items the bakery would carry, operating hours, use of local products, but she didn’t have an answer for the most important thing…a name for the bakery.  Within thirty minutes he had a mockup for their website and the Millers were astounded as he explained he pulled pictures off the internet but after the build out was done, his mom would take pictures and he would replace them.

Joe was trying to keep Alberto distracted and focused on something other than Maria by talking to him about his plans for college and starting Moretti’s Fire Protection Services.  Every time Alberto leaned down to whisper in Maria’s ear, Joe would ask another question forcing Alberto’s attention towards him. 

Annie was glaring at him and said, “I know what you are doing Giuseppe and you have to remember how you were after you made your declaration.”

“That’s exactly why I won’t leave them alone,” Joe replied with a snort.

In Papa Mike’s SUV Vin, Dom and Victor were teaching the Millers Italian and listening to them with their soft Texas drawl was making everyone laugh.

“We’re ten minutes out,” Carlo announced to everyone.  “Keep your eyes and ears open and remember not to speak of the upcoming threat.  I know I don’t have to say this, but protect the girls at all cost.”  Maeve and Fiona looked out the windows as they drove down a paved road through a dense forest of trees.  “We’re here,” Carlo said and the girls focused their attention out the windshield.   

They drove through a single lane gate and the girls turned to see a chain link fence with barbed wire atop it disappearing into the woods, after they drove another 500’ they passed another gate with a similar chain link fence.  The road widened to two-lanes with driveways branching off leading to log cabin style homes tucked into the forest.  After driving for several minutes, there was a sharp bend in the road and Carlo pulled into a clearing next to a two story house with cedar siding and dark green shutters.  He turned to the girls and said, “This is the Alpha’s house, the rest of the Pack live in the log cabin homes we passed.  The large building to the right is the training center, the official welcome will be held there and later we’ll have lunch there between games.  Stay close and don’t go wandering off, when you have to use the restroom make sure you take at least one adult with you.”  The girls nodded as they looked around with anxious yet excited expressions.    

“We’ll stay with you and when we’re playing, stay with the older boys,” whispered Gino.  After SMP entered the training center, there was silence from both Packs as the three Alphas walked forward to greet each other with their Level 5 Betas at their side.  The SP Alpha was 6’1”, 220 lbs, closely cropped hair with piercing blue eyes.  The Level 5 Beta at his side was his cousin and they closely resembled each other; he was 6’2, 240 lbs, his head was shaved and he had blue eyes.  Both men wore hard expressions as their eyes raked over Carlo, Dante and their Level 5’s.

“Carlo, Dante,” Alpha Tristan Legrand said with contempt in his tone as he flexed his hands.  At the slight and implied threat, the four Carlucci’s moved closer to their Alphas and stood straighter as they narrowed their eyes staring down the Level 5 who tilted his head back and stared up at them.  “I see your legendary watchdogs haven’t learned to heel or follow commands.  Are they at least house trained?” 

“And I see you’re as arrogant as ever Tristan,” Carlo responded as his eyes raked the other Alpha from head to toe.  “Even with all your training, I doubt you’d be able to take them.  Frank and Joe are legendary for a reason; they can be either your greatest friend or your worst nightmare.”

Tristan snorted and looked at The Clan who had surrounded the girls.  His eyes focused on Sophia and Maria before looking at the Miller girls with an unreadable expression on his face before turning his head to look at the other girls surrounded by their brothers and intendeds.  He turned to Carlo, Frank and Joe with a broad smile covering his face as he said, “How the hell have you all been?”

Carlo didn’t relax as he stared back at the Alpha.  “We’re fine…what the hell are you up to Tristan?  I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you smile before.”

“I was hoping one of the Carlucci girls would be the mates of one of my boys…” before he could finish, Anthony and Alberto took a step forward and started to growl.  “But I understand both have declarations made for them.  So instead of a mating bringing both Packs together, we’ll do it the old fashioned way.”

“And what would that be?” Carlo asked as he narrowed his eyes.

“Uniting against a common enemy,” Tristan stated as an evil grin crossed his face.  He turned to address both Packs, “The JV game will start in 15, get ready.”   The boys from SP hurried to their locker room, while the boys from SMP looked to Carlo who waited a few seconds before nodding.  Grabbing their gear they headed into the girls locker room while the older boys spread out keeping the protective circle around their sisters and intendeds.  He looked at Carlo and said in a low voice that only those near him could hear, “We’ll talk when the game starts.”  In a louder tone he said, “Let’s head out to the field, we have refreshments set up.”

The stadium looked like a typical high school football stadium; metal bleachers on both sides with a 4’high chain link fence surrounding the field; off to the side were two small buildings, one for refreshments, the other restrooms and on the home team bleachers was a small press box.  The three Alphas and their Level 5’s were leaning on the chain link fence behind the goalpost closest to the training center.  Frank narrowed his eyes as he watched Sophia and the JV cheerleaders stand in front of the bleachers; their older brothers and intendeds seated on the first row of bleachers watching over them protectively.  Seeing movement from the training center, they watched as both teams ran to the football field and five minutes later Frank and Joe had proud smiles on their face as they watch Paulo, Enzo and Alonso walk out for the coin flip.  “Your boys are growing into the spitting image of the two of you,” Tristan said with a side glance to Frank and Joe.  “I pity them.”

Frank and Joe took a deep breath and Carlo said in a promising tone, “You keep that up and I’m tempted to let the half-time entertainment be you and your Level 5 against Frank and Joe.”  His eyes raked Tristan again from head to toe, “Because you know if you and I go at it, there will be no contest.”

“That’s one thing I’ve always liked about you Carlo, you’re unflagging optimism,” Tristan said with another side glance.  “You’re going to need it.”

“What the fuck is up with him?  I’ve never seen him like this,” said Frank as he scanned the bleachers of SP members.  His eye caught movement along the ridge line and said, “They’re patrolling the grounds in wolf form.  Is that for their protection, ours or something else?”

Carlo said to his Pack, “Be on alert.  Aldo, I know you didn’t sense danger earlier, has anything changed?” 

“No Carlo, but I’m starting to get a sense of elation mixed with relief.  It’s an odd feeling,” Aldo responded as his gaze swept the stadium.

They watched the kickoff as SMP elected to receive and Tristan glanced at Rainier, his Level 5 who nodded.  “Everything can be explained in one word…Charles,” Tristan said in a low even tone before turning to look at his guests.

There was no visible reaction from Carlo, Dante or their Level 5’s as they continued to scan their surroundings and five minutes passed before Carlo said in a hard tone, “Stop beating around the fucking bush.  What the fuck is going on?”

Tristan tilted his head and seeing the hard glare leveled at him by Carlo he shrugged, “You know we’ve never been allies with anyone.  We prefer to handle things on our own and follow our own path, though we follow the edicts of the Alpha Council.  Even with our self-imposed isolation there’s one thing we’ve always known…If we ever needed help we could count on you and your Pack.” 

Carlo nodded and hearing the cheers from SMP, he turned towards the field to see Vinnie’s oldest son Gary catch a pass on the five yard line.  “You’re aware of the history between our Packs then?  Grandfather never told me, I discovered it when I read through my Great-great-great Grandfathers journal.  It was never recorded in the Pack’s official records.”

Tristan nodded, “It’s been passed Alpha to son for almost a hundred fifty years.”  Seeing the confusion on the others faces he continued, “In 1857, we were fresh off the boat from France determined to make our way west when we got caught in a blizzard, more specifically a series of blizzards and freezing Arctic winds called ‘The Cold Storm’.  Our mates and young ones were starving and even with us being wolves we were slowly freezing to death.  One of your Betas found us while he was on patrol and brought us to your Pack house.  Your Pack sheltered us, gave us food and never accepted repayment.”

Everyone was quiet as Sal ran the ball from the 1-yd line scoring the first touchdown.  “I received a call from Charles three weeks ago asking for info about you and your Pack, I figured he wanted to do business with you and was gathering intel to make a better deal.  I never liked him so I told him to fuck off and stay the hell away from my Pack,” Tristan said with a shrug.  “When we received the email from Roberts alarm bells went off when we realized why he wanted the information …he was planning on attacking you and even though he’s getting ‘room and board courtesy of the Council’ we don’t think it’s over.  Charles is a slimy bastard and I’m sure some of the people he associated with are still out there following his orders.  Make no mistake if he planned it then the fight is still coming.”

Tristan stopped as they watched the kicking team run out on the field.  “Nobody knows my daughter Madelyn had a declaration made by the Walker Mountain Pack Alpha-heir so whether we want it or not, we’re now allies.  This is important because the Swift Silver Mine, purportedly lost for two hundred forty years is located on their territory.  They’ve known of the existence and kept it quiet but are willing to allow us to mine the silver and since almost all our men have military backgrounds we’ll have no problem manufacturing the weapons we need.”

Tristan turned to Carlo and then looked at Frank and Joe, “We may not have a formal agreement between us, but we owe you our lives and the very existence of our Pack.  We will stand by your side when the battle comes to your door Carlo…Today is the day we start to repay our debt.” 

“You need to know the full details Tristan before you commit yourself and your Pack,” Carlo said as he drew a deep breath.  “Make no mistake Tristan, it will be a battle for our very lives but most importantly for the lives of our females…they are coming for them again.”   

Tristan and Rain looked shocked at Carlo’s announcement and Tristan drew a shaky breath as he said, “I suggest you tell us what’s going on but first let me call the rest of my Betas.  With our military experience we may have some insights you haven’t thought of.”  Carlo nodded and looked to the stands calling for his Betas.  Within minutes the Betas of both Packs were gathered around the three Alpha’s as Carlo told them what information they knew and the whistle signaling half-time shocked everyone since they had been listening intently to him.  Glancing at the scoreboard Carlo saw they were ahead by a touchdown and the men were quiet as they watched both teams run off the field.  

The SMP Cheerleaders took the field first for their half-time routine and the men from SMP watched intently with pride and love evident on their faces.  “Gentlemen that is what we are fighting for... the daughters of South Mountain Pack, they are our future.  We lost our daughters once before and we made a vow it would never happen again.  They will be protected even if it costs every one of us our lives,” Carlo stared into Tristan’s eyes with a determined look.  “This isn’t your fight Tristan, we would understand if you chose not to help.”

Tristan folded his arms over his chest, followed by Rain and every one of his Betas as he said, “A hundred fifty years ago, your Pack saved the lives of our ancestors and helped us establish our Pack here in the mountains.  Sixty years ago, we fought by your side during the Were War because one of the females killed was the intended of a Pack member.”  He glanced at his assembled Betas before turning back to Carlo, “Today, I offer an alliance between our Packs, not because we have a debt of honor to be repaid but because it is the right thing to do.  As fathers there is nothing we won’t do to protect our young.” 

Carlo nodded and extended his hand which Tristan shook, “I will accept the alliance and am grateful you are willing to stand by our side along with Parr Ridge Pack and Rossi Pack in the upcoming battle.” 

For the first time Dante spoke, “We must have a conference before we leave on Wednesday; we need to formulate plans so everyone knows what to do.  I for one would like more information about the weapons you are referring to.”

Tristan narrowed his eyes and looked at Dante, “Still speaking with that big stick up your ass Dante?  Every time I hear you I feel like I’m listening to ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ on Masterpiece Theatre.” 

Dante slowly smiled as he rolled his neck, “And every time I hear you I feel like I am listening to Jethro from ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’.”  He paused and narrowed his eyes as he looked Tristan up and down and said, “Come to think of it, his last name was Bodine.  I am sure it is not a coincidence that both of you share French ancestry, have limited intellect and a hillbilly twang.  You could be cousins.”

There was silence as the men continued to stare at each other until Carlo started to laugh, followed by Frank, Joe, Ric and Rocco.  “Good one Dante.  Frank, Joe, Rain do something useful for once and break the men into groups according to their strengths,” said Tristan as he tried not to smile.  He watched the cheerleaders from SP finish their half-time routine and minutes later the boys emerged from the training center ready to start the second half. 

The cheers, grunts, groans and sounds of hard hitting were background music to the men as they discussed weapons and training schedules though there were secrets SMP would not disclose; the fact the girls had combat training, the family bond the Millers had established and the location of their safe rooms.  There was only so much Carlo was willing to disclose and even though they were now allies, the need for his Pack to safely escape if they failed was the most important thing to him. 

Tristan sensed Carlo was hiding something and asked quietly, “You have an escape plan in place for the women and youngsters?”  Carlo didn’t react for several moments and then shrugged.  A look of understanding came across Tristan’s face and he said, “We learned in our former careers there’s a reason why things are classified ‘Eyes Only’; 1- the less people know, the odds increase on its success, 2 - too many people learn about things and secrets get out.  We’ll have our own plan ready because the most important thing is to protect the younger generation, especially the Alpha-heirs and if things go bad…well, I don’t need to explain that to you.” 

Carlo nodded in understanding and his eyes landed on Sophia as he felt a rush of paternal protection suddenly crash over him.  It was the first time since Anthony had made his declaration that it happened and it shocked him; he had always felt the Alpha bond with her and been protective over her as the daughter of his best friend.  This feeling was totally different; almost as if the hole in his heart where his beloved Angelica resided was finally being healed and he could let another female in without betraying her memory. 

Sophia sensed the change and stopped cheering; turning to look at him she said softly, “Is it okay if I call you Dad?  I didn’t ask before because I didn’t think you were ready.”

“I…I would like that,” Carlo responded in a quavering voice.  “I haven’t told you before but I’m extremely proud that you’re going to be a member of my family.  I couldn’t ask for a better mate for my son or a daughter to love.”

“Thank you, Dad,” she said as her eyes welled up with tears.  Carlo smiled as he saw his son instantly react to her tears; running to her and pulling her firmly against his side as he waved the Carlucci boys back who were two steps behind him.  He saw Sophia talking to Anthony and they both turned to look at him, his son smiling in acknowledgement of what had transpired.

A full two minutes passed before Frank moved to his side and said in a joking tone, “Does this mean you’re going to be paying half her expenses now?” 

Carlo threw his head back and laughed loudly drawing all eyes toward him as he threw his arm around Frank’s shoulder.  “I’ve seen the way she shops Frank and I’d like the Rossi fortune to last a couple more years.  As it is, I’ll probably have to add another wing onto The Manor House for all her clothes and doo-dads and she’s got three years to collect even more before she moves in.”

Before Frank could respond cheers from the SP stands made the men turn towards the game to see SP score a touchdown.  After kicking the extra point, they were up by 3 points with a little over two minutes left in the game.  “You mind if we watch the last couple of minutes?” asked Rain as he glanced at his cousin.  “I’m sure the youngsters would like to know their fathers watched at least a little bit of the game.”

Tristan and Carlo nodded and the men moved from their groups to lean on the chain link fence.  Principal Richards’ son, Kevin, caught the kickoff on the 17 yard line and made his way to the 30 before he ran out of bounds stopping the clock with 1:35 left.  SP defense was made entirely of the largest sixteen year olds on their team, hoping to overpower and intimidate Sal and Victor who were the only fifteen year olds on the field.  Little did they know the youngest Carlucci’s had been playing Carlucci Golf since they could walk and the thought of getting hit and tackled by older and bigger boys didn’t even bother them.     

Enzo looked at the Coach before turning to his team, “We’re running a ‘Down and Out 20’.  Sal, you’re blocking for Victor and Victor get out of bounds to stop the clock.  They’ll be underestimating you because of your age, but they have no idea of the speed you have so use that to your advantage.”  They nodded and gave each other fist pumps.  “The rest of you guys keep them off my ass.  After we complete this, we’ll no huddle and the next play is a ‘Hook 15’, Sal you’ll be catching, Victor will be the decoy.”  Everyone nodded as he shouted, “LET’S GO.”

The boys lined up at the scrimmage, Sal and Victor could feel butterflies in their stomach and did what their older brothers told them; their ragged breathing evened out and the sounds of the crowds faded as they zeroed in their concentration.  At the end of the Snap Count Sal and Victor took off down the right side of the field, they could hear the grunts and groans as the two lines met and out of the corner of his eye Sal saw a cornerback coming at them.  Everything seemed to move in slow motion as he lowered his shoulders and tightened the muscles of his arms as he met the player with all the force he had in his 5’9”, 180 lb body.  The cornerback underestimating his strength and determination was knocked on his ass as Sal and Victor continued down the field and Victor turned on his mark, a half-second before the ball landed in his hands.  Seeing no one around them he continued down the field an extra twenty yards before he was knocked out of bounds.  Turning around the first person he saw was Sal who had finally been knocked down by two defenders.

“LET’S GO,” shouted Enzo as they lined up at the scrimmage on the 30, with the defense scrambling to get in position.  The two youngest Carlucci boys once again got into their mental zone and at the end of the Snap Count took off running this time one on each side of the field.  The defenders zeroed in on Victor since he had caught the last pass leaving Sal alone to run down the right side of the field.  Enzo saw what was happening and scrambled until he saw the movement of Sal’s shoulders turning as he ran into the end zone and threw the ball where it landed right in Sal’s arms.  The stands from SMP erupted in cheers and Frank glanced at the clock, there was 18 seconds left, time enough for one more kick-off and a possible play.  The extra point was good and the stands were quiet as the kick-off teams came out. 

The SP receiver caught the ball on the 22 and began to run but was met by a brick wall named Paulo.  Since he was so quiet everyone tended to overlook him, but he was Captain of the Special Teams and Defense for a reason.  He was methodical in his thinking due to his computer background and could read an offense like it was a computer program.  By the time the receiver realized Paulo was in front of him, Paulo had already stripped the ball which was recovered by SP on the 10.  With only seconds left, SP lined every available receiver on the field and Paulo knew they were going for a ‘Hail Mary’.  Directing his players where to go, his eyes scanned the field and saw a small opening between the Left Guard and Tackle; smiling to himself he waited for the end of the Snap Count and barreled his way through tackling the Quarterback on the 5 as the clock expired.  Chaos erupted around them as he put his hand out to help Tristan’s youngest son up and said, “Good game.”  He ran off the field and was immediately tackled to the ground by his teammates.   

“Hell of a game boys.  Get off Paulo before you smother him,” said Coach JR as he laughed.  After Paulo got to his feet, JR threw an arm around his shoulders and said, “Great read on the offensive line.  You spotted their weak spot and took advantage of it.”  Glancing around at the players, he shouted, “GO GET CLEANED UP.”  The boys ran to the locker room with the cheers from SMP ringing in their ears and Sal turned to look at Gabby who was smiling broadly before turning around so he could see she was wearing his hoodie.  He was so intent on looking at her he tripped over his feet falling to the ground taking several players with him.

“What the fuck Sal?” asked Alonso as he got to his feet.  Seeing Gabby staring at Sal with wide eyes as she tried not to laugh, he said, “Damn, she’s beautiful.  I wonder if she’d go out with me.”
 
“Oh fuck,” said Victor, Paulo, Michael, Enzo and Gino at the same time as Sal growled and whipped his head around to glare at his friend.  The boys quickly moved to separate them and Enzo and Gino put their hands under Sal’s arms and yanked him towards the locker room.

“Calm down,” said Enzo as Sal was struggling to get away.  “You know Gabby likes you, though why none of us have a clue.  Think about that when you two are sitting together at lunch with her wearing YOUR hoodie proclaiming to everybody that you two are together.”

Sal said angrily as he continued to struggle, “Yeah, but I don’t like the way he was looking at her.  Let me at him so I can rip his fucking head off.”

“Really Sal?  Isn’t he like one of your best friends?” asked Gino as he began to smile.  “I’d say you were getting rather possessive over Miss Gabriella Moretti.  Now turn around and wave at your girlfriend so she knows you’re okay, she looks worried and you don’t want her upset, do you?”  Sal instantly calmed down and shrugged off his brothers arms turning to wave at Gabby who held up white poster board with his name and number in blue glitter.

Sal turned to his brothers and said with a smirk, “I don’t see any girls holding a sign with your names on it.”  He caught up to Victor and the two ran into the locker room, laughing and talking about the end of the game.

“Bastard,” said Gino as he stared at Sal’s back.

“Fucking Bastard,” added Enzo as he turned to look at his brother.  “But he’s right.  He’s fifteen and has an older girlfriend; we’re sixteen and have nobody.”

“You have me you bunch of idiots,” said Damian as he whacked them both on the back.  “Do you realize the rest of the team is inside while the two of you are standing out here feeling sorry for yourselves?”

“Fuck off Damian,” said Enzo with a scowl.

“And there goes my favorite name again.  Come on; let’s go inside so you can get cleaned up, both of you are rank,” Damian said as he walked with his cousins.  “Now that I think about it, I think I’m going to get ‘Fuck off Damian’ tattooed on my arm as soon as I turn eighteen.  Maybe get a skull with a tear coming out of one eye socket, a dagger through the other, a black rose in its mouth with drops of blood coming off the stem with ‘Fuck off Damian’ in Crypt Keeper font around it.”  

“Are you fucking serious?  Aunt Annie and Uncle Joe would go ballistic,” said Enzo as he stopped walking to stare at his cousin.

“Hell no, but it stopped your whining, didn’t it?” asked Damian with a smirk before realizing Caitlin wasn’t by his side.  He turned to look for her aggravated because he told her to stay next to him and when he saw her he began to growl; she was with The Clan, but two boys from SP were walking with her.  What got him and his wolf upset was…she was talking to them.  “Son of a bitch,” he growled walking towards them.  When he reached them, he growled at the boys letting his eyes turn amber as he said in a firm voice, “I think it’s time you left.”  Their eyes got big and they hurried inside the training center.  He reached inside his gym bag pulling out his hoodie, “Wear this, at least those idiots will leave you alone if you carry my scent.”

Caitlin smiled at his possessive tone, “I told those guys you wouldn’t like it, but they wouldn’t listen to me.”  He didn’t answer just shrugged as he glared at several other boys who were looking at her.

“Put this on,” Lorenzo said in a commanding tone as he threw his hoodie at Erin.  Without giving her a chance he threw his gym bag on the ground and pulled the hoodie down over her, trapping her arms inside.

Thrilled to be wearing his hoodie, but upset with his attitude she squealed, “You’re wrecking my hair and I can’t move my arms.”

“Deal with it,” he retorted as he pulled the strings of the hoodie leading her down the trail to the training center while the girls giggled in the background.  He could smell his aged leather scent on her and his wolf started pacing back and forth throwing his head up.  They were both agitated because they had seen the looks the boys from SP had given her and they were glad for the excuse to have her wearing his hoodie and more importantly carrying his scent.  “When I’m playing, I want you to stay with Paulo and Michael.  And don’t take my damn hoodie off.”

Erin finally got her arms in the sleeves and inhaled deeply as his scent surrounded her.  Her wolf was prancing back and forth; tail high in the air as she reveled in the fact her mate was making a claim on them.  “You really need to learn some manners.  If you wanted me to wear your hoodie, all you had to do was ask.”

Lorenzo let go of the strings and grabbed her hand feeling tingles race up his arm as he heard Erin gasp.  It was unlike anything he had ever felt before and his wolf stopped pacing and laid down baring his belly.  He said in a gruff tone, “Whatever.  Don’t leave my side, stick to me like glue.” 

She smiled at him and determined to make him laugh, she said in a bright cheerful voice, “We’ll be like two peas in a pod, peanut butter and jelly, jam on toast, cheese and crackers, salt and pepper, hot butter on popcorn, milk and cookies.”

“You forgot one.”  Lorenzo’s lips twitched as he tried to hide his smile, but his emerald eyes had a twinkle in them as he said, “Like flies on shit.”

“That’s disgusting Lorenzo,” she slapped his arm playfully and he squeezed her hand as she started to laugh.

He smirked, “Deal with it.  Come on, I’m hungry.”  Without saying anything else, he dragged her to the training center where they immediately went to the side where SMP was standing closely together.  Following their training, the girls were standing close to the wall with their brothers/intendeds in front of them.  It was a clear message for the other Pack, if they wanted the girls; they had to go through the men.  Fifteen minutes later, the JV teams joined them. 

Laid out on several tables in the middle of the room was a huge buffet; turkey, ham, roast beef, venison, hamburgers, hot dogs, lasagna, mashed potatoes, Au Gratin’s, French fries, and all kinds of salads – macaroni, potato, pasta and veggie.  Off to the side in front of a set of doors was a dessert table filled with cakes, pies, puddings, cookies and fresh fruit.  Dining areas on each side of the room kept each Pack separate.  Carlo looked at Tristan and said in a sarcastic tone, “Are you trying to win the Varsity game by putting the boys in a food coma?  If so, it won’t work, they could eat the whole fucking buffet and it won’t slow them down a step.” 

Tristan smiled and strode to the front of the room and said, “The buffet is ready.  As guests, SMP will go first.”  Carlo nodded and each grouping came forward in the order they were given by Joe; each grouping consisted of a family plus intendeds so the boys wouldn’t feel any anxiety.  The Rossi’s, Carlucci’s, Millers and Moretti’s were last since they were the largest grouping.  Dante and Carlo who were last in line were joined by Tristan and his family and after the Alphas got their food the three of them plus their Level 5’s went to a separate table in the front of the room to continue their private conversation. 

Carlo looked around the room.  “I haven’t noticed any behavior from either Pack indicating a possible declaration, have you?”

Tristan sighed, “No, I’m hoping it’s the fact they’ve been kept separate.  Unlike your Pack, our birth numbers are about even, 55% male and 45% female, but we haven’t had many in Pack declarations made in the last six months.”  He turned to Rain, “Is everything set for the ‘Meet and Mingle’?” 

Rain swallowed before saying, “Everything is setup on the patio.  We’d like them to get dessert and bring it there so they’ll be relaxed.  Of course, only those who haven’t had a declaration will go, we don’t need possessive mates getting upset if someone looks at their intended.”  Twenty minutes later Tristan and Carlo stood up informing both Packs that all undeclared males and females over fifteen were to get their desserts and go to the patio for the ‘Meet and Mingle’. 

Gina said to the girls, “All of you who haven’t had a declaration made are to go out to the patio, even if you know who you mate is.  Maybe seeing others take an interest in you will make their wolf take notice.”  The girls nodded and were visibly excited while their brothers looked pensive.

Dante sent Luc a message that he was to go outside too.  “Devo?” he asked as he set his drink down.  (Must I?)

“Sì, ho promesso alla Nonna abbiamo pensato di provare e trovare il vostro compagno. Se non si riesce a trovare la sua prima di partire, quindi sto valutando se non qui, è possibile visitare la altre confezioni con Frank e Joe,” Dante turned to stare at him.  (Yes, I promised your Grandmother we would try and find your mate.  If you do not find her before we leave, then I am considering leaving you here so you can visit the other Packs with Frank and Joe.)

“I business in Italia, Dante. Vorrei trovare il mio amico quando è il momento, non prima e non mi piace la pressione tutti è messa su di me,” Luc responded with a frown.  (I have business to attend to in Italy, Dante.  I will find my mate when it is time, not before and I don't like the pressure everyone is putting on me.)

“C'è qualcosa che devi dirmi? Si sono terribilmente difensiva,” Dante said narrowing his eyes.  (Is there something you need to tell me?  You are awfully defensive.)

“No, non c'è niente da dire,” said Luc with a sigh as he felt his wolf begin to pace angrily.  He sent a prayer to Luna and hoped his mate would forgive him; he thought of the diamond necklace he bought for her when he slipped away from everyone at the mall and hoped it would help when he begged her forgiveness.  Dante watched Luc rub his hands over his face and smiled to himself.  He knew why Luc was hesitant and was giving him every opportunity to tell him, but damn the boy was stubborn.  (No, there is nothing to tell.) 

Seeing the youngsters get their desserts, the Alphas and Betas headed out to the patio to supervise if a declaration was made.  On the patio, the Packs stayed separate with the youngsters staring at each other and after several minutes of this, Carlo and Tristan grimaced at the awkward situation.  Carlo sighed loudly and said, “Girls from SMP form a line on this end of the patio, boys from SP form a line on the other and walk past each other slowly.”  Seeing some of the girls had on hoodies, he said, “And take your hoodies off.”  He wasn’t surprised hearing some low growls from the SMP boys and said to Frank and Joe, “I think we’re going to have some declarations soon in our own Pack.”  As they walked past each other, the boys sniffed deeply as the girls giggled quietly.  After they were finished Carlo shrugged and said, “Okay, girls from SP and boys from SMP do the same thing.” 

Tristan sighed loudly when they finished.  “Apparently no declarations will be made today.”  The Packs separated and the girls put their hoodies back on.  He narrowed his eyes as he saw a group of older girls approach the Carlucci boys.  

“Hi Damian,” one of the girls said with a flirtatious smile, batting her eyelashes and tilting her head as she laid her hand on his arm.

I’m Lorenzo, he’s Damian.”   He nodded towards his twin as he looked at her and felt nothing but annoyance.  His wolf was pacing back and forth wondering why this female who was not their mate was putting her hands on them.  Thinking of who his mate could be, he unconsciously glanced at Erin and seeing the hurt look on her face, he shrugged the annoying females hand off him and took a step back.

“Sorry,” she giggled.  “I noticed the two oldest had mates and figured I’d come and say ‘Hi’ to the rest of you.”

Lorenzo said in a snide tone, “Because we’re interchangeable?  One Carlucci’s as good as the other?” 

Knowing how Lorenzo could rip somebody to shreds with his remarks, Damian stepped forward and said smoothly, “That’s not true brother, obviously I’m the best looking one out of all of us.  You’ve proven you’re the grouchiest and if you want to know about the rest of The Clan…just ask.  We all have strengths, but as Carlucci’s we have no weakness…unless it’s a pretty girls smile.”  He gave the group his best crooked half smile and the girls began to giggle.  He heard Caitlin give an annoyed sigh and turned to her with a smirk on his face.  Leaning down he whispered so only she could hear, “I can’t help it if everyone likes me.  I’m cursed with charm, devastating good looks and a chiseled body that is absolute perfection.”

Caitlin’s eyes raked him from head to foot, “Gabby was right, you are full of crap Damian Carlucci.”  With that announcement she turned on her heel heading back into the training room shaking with anger, Damian’s laughter echoed her footsteps as he turned to her sister and winked before hurrying after Caitlin. 

Tristan said quietly, “I think these mandatory ‘Meet and Mingle’ events are a big waste of time and quite frankly, a pain in my fucking ass.  I know Roberts wants the girls protected but doing it this way keeps everyone on edge.” 

“I agree, but its Alpha Council orders,” Carlo said with a shrug.  “You ready to start the game?  I think everyone’s getting anxious.”  Tristan nodded and the men strode into the training area and Tristan announced the game would start in fifteen minutes.  Anthony, Alberto, Vin, Dom and the other boys with intendeds scented their mates before grabbing their bags and following the rest of the team into the locker room.  Now that the ‘Meet and Mingle’ was over, the boys were more relaxed and went back to the buffet table and demolished everything that was left.

Fifteen minutes later, the Packs were in the bleachers and the men were leaning against the fence as the team Captains walked out for the coin toss, SP won and elected to receive.  Anthony, Vin and Alberto ran back to the sidelines for last minute instructions from JR before the Special Teams took the field.

“Anthony’s the fastest, so his primary position is Wide Receiver,” Carlo said with a smile as he looked at Tristan.  “JR put him on special teams because he’s having some aggression issues since his declaration, this way he can get some of them out by knocking people on their asses.”  He turned in time to see the receiver catch the ball on the 22 and take a step before Anthony hit him so hard he flew backwards almost fifteen feet before landing and skidding to a stop on the 3.  Anthony ran to him and stood over him before throwing his head back, clenching his fists and howling loudly.  There was silence in the stadium as almost everyone bared their neck submitting to the power radiating off of him.  Carlo looked at Tristan and Dante and saw they were struggling not to submit to Anthony’s power; he could literally feel it in the air, it was rippling over the stadium like a heat wave.

A minute went by before Anthony realized that not only his Pack, but the other Pack had submitted to him.  He nodded to them, acknowledging it and ran to the sidelines as though nothing had happened.  The Packs sat in stunned silence as they watched him, awed by his physical power and his power as a future Alpha.

“Do you want to tell me what the fuck just happened?” Tristan asked with a frown as he stared at Anthony.  Seeing movement on the field, he saw the receiver slowly get up with the help of two players and walk to the sidelines.  “I’ve never felt or seen anything like that before.  The power coming off him was so strong it took everything I had not to submit and my wolf was almost cowering in fear.”

Carlo turned to Dante and asked, “What did you feel?”

“Son of a bitch, I know you said he was strong Carlo, but I had no idea he was this powerful.  I hate to say this, but I agree with Tristan.  I’ve never felt or seen that type of raw power before and he has not even received The Ascension to obtain his Alpha power,” Dante said in a near whisper as he continued to stare at Anthony who wasn’t breathing hard and was laughing with his teammates.

Carlo took a deep breath before saying in a quiet voice, “The thing that worries me is I don’t think he used all his strength either.  Frank and Joe said he’s been holding back in training and I’d like to find out how powerful he really is.”  He saw Gina staring at Anthony with a worried expression on her face, “It’s okay, he’s more powerful than we’d thought.  We’ll talk about it later.”  He saw her nod and turn to Rose and Annie and start talking to them again. 

Rain cleared his throat before saying, “In our Ancient Texts, there is a fable most people probably aren’t aware of.  It’s called ‘Le Guerrier’ or The Warrior.  I’d have to read it again to get the correct wording, but it talks about powers and a son who after The Ascension will be one of the most powerful who ever lived.”

Carlo, Dante and their Level 5’s looked at him and Dante said, “We have a similar prophecy ours is called ‘Il Guerriero e la fanciulla’ or The Warrior and the Maiden.  If you do not mind, could you tell us the exact wording?  I would like to compare the two to see if there is anything in your prophecy that is different than ours.”  At Tristan’s nod, Rain left the group heading to the basement of the Alpha’s house where the Archive room was located. 

The men watched the game in silence and Carlo heard Tristan and his men gasp when they saw how fast Anthony ran down field and caught the ball, easily knocking defensive players out of his way as he scored a touchdown.  “While we wait for Rain, let’s continue our plans,” Tristan said and his Betas bought tables, paper and maps out.  The two minute warning drew their attention to the field; SMP had possession of the ball and JR had the second string on the field led by Lorenzo as the QB.  With ten seconds to go they scored a touchdown, the extra point was good and the first half ended with SMP leading 42 – 10.  The teams ran to the locker rooms while the SMP cheerleaders took the field for their routine.  The men turned back to their plans and the noise of the boys returning interrupted them and they turned to watch them run onto the sidelines.  JR kept the backups in the game and the Seniors plus Anthony were helping to coach from the sidelines. 
 
“I found it,” Rain said in an excited tone as he rejoined them.  “Sorry, it took so long but its been years since anybody’s been in that section of the Archive Room.  The book is too delicate to bring outside, but I made copies.”  He handed copies to the Alphas before giving copies to the others.  “My French is a little rusty so I ran it through a translation program and that is underneath.”

Carlo took a deep breath before he started to read:


Par la grâce de Luna, le sort d'un fils et une fille de deux puissantes familles permettra d'aligner pour la première fois depuis la naissance du Loup. Avec les guerriers ecliptical la conception et la naissance, le transfert de ses ancêtres pouvoirs collectifs commenceront. Sa portée aura lieu sous le regard vigilant de Luna et il va réaliser que sa pleine puissance à une ascension rapide Luna sous le regard. D'autres vont lui lance le défi, mais ils ne seront d'aucune correspondance pour qu'il sera le plus puissant de vivre.

By the grace of Luna, the fates of a son and a daughter of two powerful families will align for the first time since the birth of the Wolf.  With The Warriors ecliptical conception and birth, the transfer of his Ancestors collective powers will begin.  His mating will take place under the watchful eyes of Luna and he will realize his full power upon an early Ascension under Luna’s gaze.  Others will challenge him but they will be no match for he will be the most powerful to live.
   

There was silence as the men deciphered its meaning and Dante told them the Italian prophecy, “A son to a strong Alpha shall be born and by the will of Luna he will mate with a daughter of an equally strong family.  His mating will bring forth an early Ascension giving rise to his true power as one of the most powerful to walk the Earth.  He will become the true leader of his kind and the blood of the two joined together will usher forth a new age and peace will finally rule over the land.”  He stopped as a thoughtful expression covered his face before he said, “They are similar but the French prophecy has Celestial references and we need to understand what they mean; ‘Under Luna’s gaze’, ‘Under the watchful eyes of Luna’, ‘Align’, ‘Ecliptical’.  We need Paulo and his laptop.”  Carlo nodded and nobody talked as Dante rubbed his temples before he looked at Carlo and asked, “What is the date and time of Anthony’s birth and day of conception?”

“He was born April 9, 1986 at 1:23 AM,” Carlo said as he stared at Dante.  “As far as conception, I’m not sure of the date, but it was the first day of Gina’s heat because I noticed a change in her scent the following morning.  I’ll ask her.”  Dante nodded and moments later Carlo said, “Gina said it was November 12, 1985.”  Dante wrote the information down and handed it to Paulo and his fingers flew over the keyboard as he searched for the information. 

Dante took a deep breath and appeared lost in thought before he turned to Frank, “When is Sophia’s birthday?”

“August 9, 1988,” Frank replied as he narrowed his eyes.

“So, she will turn eighteen on August 9, 2006,” Dante said quietly as he wrote that down and handed it to Paulo.  Moments later, Paulo stopped typing and pointed to the laptop screen.  After looking at the screen, Dante turned to Carlo and said quietly, “Son of a bitch, it is all coming true.”

“What the fuck are you talking about Dante?” Carlo said angrily as he moved to look at the screen.

“Your son was conceived and born on the days of Solar Eclipses, when Luna is the most visible object in the sky.  Sophia’s eighteenth birthday, when they will be allowed to mate is on a full moon,” Dante said in a reverent tone.  “We normally receive The Ascension on our twenty-fifth birthday when we are deemed mature enough to handle the powers given, but I think Anthony will receive his on his twenty-third birthday, the same day as the Full Moon… April 9, 2009.”

The men were quiet as they thought of the meaning behind everything Dante said.  “No one can know of this.  Paulo, we need to discuss this further before we tell the Pack,” Carlo said in a firm voice as Paulo nodded, he was used to keeping secrets from the others since he was in charge of their Electronic security.  “If anyone finds out, he will be in grave danger from those wanting to gain control of his power or not wanting him to fulfill the prophecies and Soph…”

Before Carlo could finish what he was saying, Frank broke in and said in a worried tone, “Sophia will be in danger too.  In order for the prophecies to come true, he has to mate with her and she must bear his young.”  Both men looked at Sophia laughing with her friends in bleachers.  Sensing their gaze on her, she turned to them and waved, a big smile on her face when they waved back.

“Do you need me for anything else Alpha Carlo?  If not, I’ll go back so you can finish your discussion,” asked Paulo and when Carlo nodded, he closed out the programs on his computer and handed the papers to Dante.  Carlo watched as he sat on the bleachers and when his family turned to him he shook his head.

Tristan nodded and said, “We won’t tell anyone Carlo.  I’ll give an Alpha Command to my men and they will do everything in their power to protect them.”  He turned to his assembled Betas and gave the Command, and his men bowed their heads and submitted their necks in acknowledgment.

“It goes without saying my men will protect them and will not tell anyone,” Dante said and Carlo nodded.  Dante ran his hands through his hair before he turned to the two Alphas and said, “We have an Italian and a French prophecy, but I wonder if there are more out there and if there are, what clues do they contain?”

Fifteen minutes passed, the men silent as they watched the game without seeing what was happening; they were too busy thinking about everything that had happened so far that day.  Rain broke the silence when he let out a sigh and said, “One thing we missed when we discussed our fable…”  The men turned towards him as he took a deep breath, “What does ‘the transfer of his Ancestors collective powers will begin’ mean?  Is it the strengths that make them an Alpha, like physical strength, toughness, leadership and intelligence?  Or is it their individual strengths like compassion, sensitivity and determination?”

Everyone turned towards Dante who threw his hands up and said, “Do not look at me like I have all the answers in the Universe.  I know I am the smartest man here, but that is not saying much considering the intellect in this group.”

“Fuck you and fuck your attitude,” Carlo said with a frown before he began to laugh.  “Considering the fact the ONLY reason you got into Oxford was because of your family connections and the generous endowment they gave.”

Dante stood up straight, his back rigid as he said in a voice filled with contempt, “How I got there is not important, the important thing is the Rossi Building will stand for centuries in my honor.”

Ric started to laugh and said, “If your honor is the foundation, they better get some engineers there, because the damn thing is going to collapse.”

“Bah, you are jealous because the only building named in honor of a Carlucci would be an outhouse,” Dante retorted.  They started to argue in rapid-fire Italian complete with wild hand gestures as the Italians gathered around them cheering. 

“Do they always argue like that?” Tristan asked with a look of concern.

“Unfortunately, yes.  They’ve been like this since we were little ones,” Carlo replied shrugging his shoulders.  “Right now, they’re arguing over something that happened when they were eight.  Apparently, Dante ate the chocolate cannoli Ric wanted.”  Seeing the look on Tristan’s face, Carlo smiled, “You don’t come between a man and his cannoli, especially if it’s chocolate.” 

The sound of the whistle signaling the end of the game stopped the argument and the men glanced at the scoreboard which showed SMP won 72-28 and SMP stood in the bleachers cheering.  As the boys ran off the field Carlo said, “While we wait for them to shower and change, we’ll finalize our plans.  I’ll call Savannah on Monday and fill her in on everything.”  Since Marco stayed to guard those in the safe room, Frank and Joe wrote everything down in notebooks Aldo provided.

Thirty minutes later, everyone was in the vehicles while Carlo, Dante, Frank and Joe said goodbye to Tristan and Rain.  “Thank you Tristan.  Knowing you will be at our side will be a tremendous help,” Carlo said as the two shook hands.

Tristan nodded, “Let me know what Savannah has to say about our offer to help train her Pack.  Like we discussed, I can send some of my Beta’s there or she can send some of her Pack here.  And let me know what day of the week we’re going to have our weekly updates, I’ll change my schedule so I’m free.”

Carlo nodded, “I’ll call Monday after I talk with her.”  With one last handshake the men went to their vehicles and their escorts led the way from Hillside House.  The ride back to their territory was quiet; the youngsters talking quietly about the game while the men told their mates what had been discussed.

The Millers, Carlucci’s, Moretti’s and Rossi’s pulled in front of the Millers house.  Everyone got out of the vehicles and the Miller girls were ushered into the house by Holly, Nana Ellen and Papa Mike.  Under Frank’s watchful eye, Ant scented Sophia and told her he would be at her house at 6:45 before leaving in his Dad’s SUV.  Alberto whispered to Maria he would see her at Carmelo’s and glanced up to see Joe’s steely gaze on them, swallowing loudly he scented her quickly before he got in his families SUV and left.

Vin asked, “Dad, you need us for anything?  We figured we’d stay here and go in the woods and start to mark which trees we’re going to pull down tomorrow.” 

Frank shrugged and Todd said, “Fine with me.  It’ll give me a chance to get to know my son-in-laws better.”  Vin and Dom glanced at each other remembering their talk from last night.  Todd smiled, “Relax, I’m not going to kill you…yet.”

Frank said in a firm voice, “Behave yourselves and don’t be a nuisance.”  Vin and Dom nodded and ran in the house.  He quietly said to Todd, “Keep an eye on them; I saw the lipstick on their shirts last night.  Make sure they’re occupied; have them do yard work or help get the property ready for winter.”

“Dad and I noticed the wood shed roof was leaking the other day when it rained,” Todd said as he glanced around the yard.  “I’ll go to the store and buy what we need and have them work on that this evening to get it ready for firewood.” 

Frank said, “Give me about thirty minutes and I’ll bring roofing supplies over; we have shingles, tar paper and roofing nails in the barn, no sense in buying it.  And don’t worry about the boys, they know what to do, they’ve been working for Triple C since they were sixteen.”  He turned to his family, “Load up.”

As soon as they were inside the house, Sophia, Maria, Rose and Annie ran upstairs.  Knowing they wouldn’t have much time, their dresses were hanging on the closet door, their shoes and pocketbooks underneath and their accessories on the dresser.  Annie said, “Maria, let me wrap your arm so you can shower and let me know when you need me to wash your hair then I’ll help you dress and do your hair.”

Rose said, “Sophia, take your shower in my room to save time.”  At 6:30, both girls were dressed.  Sophia was wearing a pink with white polka-dots sundress with a sweetheart neckline, a white leather belt, platinum hoop earrings, multi-colored pink Swarovski bracelets, and pink low-heeled pumps.  Maria had on a light blue strapless sundress with swirls of black, the skirt flaring out before it ended above her knees, multi-colored blue Swarovski bracelets, matching earrings and black low-heeled pumps.  Noting the time she said, “You both look beautiful.  Come on; let’s go downstairs so you can wait for Anthony.”

When the girls walked into the kitchen, Frank and Joe looked them over from head to toe and Frank said, “Put a sweater on, the top is showing too much.”  Joe and the boys nodded, Rose and Annie frowned and Sophia sighed before running upstairs to get matching sweaters for the two of them.  After they put on their cardigans, Frank and Joe nodded in approval and Frank said, “Now you look beautiful.  Let’s go over the rules one last time.  Anthony’s in charge, if anything happens you listen to him, your brothers and cousins.  I don’t care what you’re doing, if they say leave, you leave.  Am I clear?”  Both girls nodded.

“We’ve had a talk with them,” Joe said turning to the Carlucci boys.  “They’re not to interfere in your date unless they sense trouble.”  The boys nodded and when Frank and Joe turned back to the girls, evil grins crossed their faces.  Sensing what they were doing Joe turned back quickly and frowned at the expressions on their faces, “Boys, I’m serious.  Don’t ruin this for them.”  The boys nodded but the twinkle in their eyes made Sophia and Maria question their sincerity.  “Anthony’s here.”  Moments later, Joe was ushering him down the hall and Anthony stopped when he saw Sophia and swallowed loudly.

“Damn,” he whispered as he began to walk towards her.  “I ugh…you look beautiful.  Here.”  He quickly thrust a vase of daisies at her and she squealed as the water splashed the front of her dress, she took a step back and unused to wearing heels her foot slipped on the tiled floor.  He grabbed her arm to steady her, upsetting the precarious balance of the vase and it tilted, completely soaking the front of her dress and the water pooled on the floor.  Hearing her gasp he let go, thinking he had grabbed her too hard and without his support she slipped and fell on her bottom landing in the puddle.  There was silence in the kitchen as the Carlucci’s looked at Sophia before their gaze swung to Anthony, who was standing their wide-eyed with his mouth hanging open.  “Oh, shit,” he muttered as he quickly moved to help her.  “It’s not that bad, it’ll uhmm dry in no time.”

Rose quickly stepped forward and said, “Sophia, let’s get you cleaned up.”  The four women went upstairs to help Sophia change and the Carlucci men continued to stare at Anthony who sat at the table with his head in his hands.

“What the hell is the matter with me?  That’s three dresses I’ve ruined so far,” he moaned.  Hearing movement behind him, he saw Sal cleaning up the mess and put his head back in his hands.  “When I see her, I lose my ability to think and I act like a bumbling incoherent idiot.”

Frank patted him on the back, “Don’t feel bad, it happens to all of us.  When Rose and I started dating, Carlo, Joe and I were sent to Alpha Council for training.  When we got back, I went to her house barged in and tackled her landing on the table, right on top of the food.  Now that was embarrassing, Pops wasn’t happy with me, and made me put a new roof on the barn later that week.”

“I dumped a tray of sandwiches on my mate,” added Rocco.

“I dumped a tray of drinks on my mate when she smiled at me,” added Ric.

“I dropped a hot fudge sundae on Annie,” said Joe with a smile.  “Of course, I also licked it off of her, but that’s another story.”

“Seriously Dad?  I’m going to have nightmares for months with that visual,” Damian said as he shuddered and covered his face with his hands. 

Frank looked at his brother like he was crazy before turning to Anthony and saying in a firm tone, “If anything like that ever happens, I don’t want to hear about it.  Ever.  And it better not happen before she’s fifty and I’m too slow to catch you and beat you to death.”  Anthony nodded with a horrified look on his face as the boys grinned.  “Sophia’s almost ready, take a deep breath, calm yourself down and relax.” 

Damian looked at Anthony with a big smile, “Look on the bright side, the rest of the date can only get better.  You’ve already ruined her special date outfit, dumped her flowers on the floor and got her new shoes wet.  The only thing left would be to kick her puppy and luckily for you she doesn’t have one.” 

“Fuck off Damian,” was heard from almost every one in the kitchen as he threw his hands up in the air.  

Sophia walked into the kitchen wearing a white printed sundress with small light purple hydrangeas.  She had on multi-colored purple bracelets, earrings, and matching braided belt, low heeled pumps and cardigan.  “I’m ready,” she said as she looked at Anthony who stood up and stared at her with his mouth open.

Seeing the look on his face, Frank sighed, “Okay, here’s the seat assignment; Gianni, Marcus, Enzo, Salvatore and Victor with Sophia and Maria; Lorenzo, Damian, Gino and Michael with Erin and Caitlin.  After Carmelo’s; Gianni, Marcus, and Enzo with Sophia; Victor, Sal and Angelo with Maria; Lorenzo, Damian, Gino and Michael with Erin and Caitlin.  Questions?”  The boys shook their heads and Frank continued, “Tell the Millers we’ll be there in an hour.”  As they walked the youngsters outside, Frank asked Paulo, “You sure you don’t want to go?”  

“Nah Uncle Frank,” he responded as he shook his head.  “I’ve got a lot of stuff to do for Alpha Carlo.  I’ve got to break that password and check the other programs I have running, with the game and everything today I’m running behind.”

Joe put his arm around his shoulder as they watched the youngsters pull out of the driveway, “I know you have a lot to do, but remember you’re a teenager.  When we go to the Millers, I want you to relax and have some fun.”  Paulo nodded before heading back into the kitchen, grabbing a drink and sitting in front of his laptop, his fingers once again flying over the keyboard.

At the Millers, Anthony and Lorenzo pulled to the side of the garage, Lorenzo would be leaving his truck there and his group would ride in Pat’s SUV.  Looking around, Lorenzo said, “I see the two asshats aren’t here yet.”

Michael frowned, “I thought Pat and Bob were friends of yours.”

“That doesn’t mean they’re not asshats,” replied Lorenzo with a frown. 

As they walked to the door, Todd motioned them inside, “Boys, there’s cake in the kitchen; girls, you’re needed upstairs.”  Vin and Dom were eating large slices of cake and when the boys came in, they got up and got them plates and drinks, as if it was their house.  Todd smiled, knowing the boys were feeling comfortable and considered themselves part of the Miller household.  While they waited, they talked about the status assessments which would happen Sunday evening.

The sound of quiet chatter was heard before the girls appeared in the kitchen.  Vin, Dom and Anthony immediately went to their intendeds, and Anthony after relaxing with the boys was once again more confident and said, “You look beautiful and I’m sorry I ruined your dress and you had to change.” 

Sophia gave him a side glance, “It’s okay, and I like those jeans on you.”

“Your brothers and cousins told me, that’s why I wore them,” he answered and started to smile when he saw her blush. 

Maria looked at her two oldest brothers and saw they were trying not to stare at Erin and Caitlin.  Lorenzo’s eyes were flashing amber before he took a deep breath and stared at his shoes.  Damian shoved his hands in his pockets and let out a low whistle before tilting his head back and shutting his eyes.  Maria turned to Erin and Caitlin and smiled broadly letting them know their outfits had the desired effect.  Erin had on a white sundress printed with small sunflowers with a square cut neckline and she paired it with a medium brown cardigan and matching flats.  Caitlin had on a terra-cotta colored dress with beige swirls and a rounded neckline, a beige cardigan and matching flats.  Knowing what outfits the girls were going to wear, Sophia had brought over matching bracelets for them.    

The doorbell rang and Erin and Caitlin giggled nervously as Todd went to answer.  Moments later, Pat and Bob Reeder walked nervously into the kitchen, their gaze going to Vin and Dom who were standing behind Erin and Caitlin with their arms crossed over their chests.  The two older boys raked them with their eyes and Vin said, “Respect them and treat them right, if not you’ll answer to us.”  Pat and Bob looked at each other nervously before nodding their heads.

Todd coughed to cover his laughter before saying in a firm tone, “Have them home right after the movie.  I already checked what time it ends.” 

Anthony said, “We’ve got to go.  We’ll have just enough time to eat before the movie starts.”  The Millers, Vin and Dom watched from the porch as the youngsters walked to the vehicles, the younger girls talking excitedly about everything that happened that day with their uncles.    

“I’m telling you we’re gonna look like a bunch of fucking clowns,” Damian muttered as they walked to the Reeder’s SUV.  “Sixteen people in two vehicles, why couldn’t we take more cars?”

“Will you shut the fuck up,” whispered Lorenzo as he glared at Bob.  “This evening is going to be difficult enough as it is without you ranting and raving.” 

“I can hear you and this evening isn’t about the two of you,” said Vin with a frown.  “It’s about the girls and making sure they have a good time and Erin and Caitlin’ll be more comfortable if they’re in the same vehicle.  You two are along as their protection detail to make sure they stay safe, that’s it.  Is that clear?”

“Yes, Dad,” both boys said. 

When they got to their SUV, Pat and Bob looked uncertain as to where the girls should sit.  Bob said, “Pat’s got to drive cause Dad won’t let me cause I got a ticket last week and I’ve got to sit up front cause I get sick if I’m in the back.”

Lorenzo rolled his eyes and said, “Erin, Caitlin, Gino you’ll be in third row, Damian, Michael and I’ll be in the middle.”  The girls shrugged and Lorenzo and Damian helped them in the SUV while Pat and Bob got in the front seats. 

“I don’t know much about dating, but is this weird or what?  They didn’t even say hello to the girls, didn’t bring them flowers, didn’t say they looked nice, didn’t help them in the car, Pat and Bob are dressed in ripped jeans and t-shirts and they’re not even sitting together,” said Michael as he looked at his older brothers. 

“It’s the weirdest fucking date I’ve heard about, we’re dressed better than Pat and Bob,” replied Lorenzo with a smirk as he adjusted the collar of his polo shirt.  “I want us to stay quiet and let them talk, get to know each other.”

“That’s going to be hard, they’re so far apart they may as well as be in separate vehicles,” Gino said from his position between Erin and Caitlin.  He was trying not to crowd the girls remembering what Sal said about Lorenzo’s earlier tirade. 

Erin and Caitlin looked at each other and shrugged, so far this date wasn’t going like the ones they’d seen in the movies.  Sophia said Anthony brought her flowers and told her she looked beautiful, and Pat and Bob hadn’t even said anything to them.  Erin sighed loudly as she stared at Lorenzo’s broad shoulders and wondered if his muscles were as hard as they looked; as if sensing her gaze his shoulders tensed and he half-turned towards her and their eyes met before he turned back. 

“I wish we’d never agreed to this date,” said Caitlin angrily as she stared out the window.  “My wolf’s mad because we’re going out with somebody who isn’t our mate.  She wants him to make his declaration and do it soon; she’s losing what little patience she has.”

“Cait, calm down.  Remember what Momma told us …until their wolf is ready to claim us, no matter what we do, they’ll resist,” Erin said with a sigh.  “I can sense a change in Lorenzo, he’s getting possessive and it’s making him moodier because he doesn’t understand.  I’ve seen his eyes turn amber when he looks at me, that means his wolf is coming to the surface.”  She turned and looked at her sister who shrugged again and the ride to Carmelo’s continued in silence. 

In Anthony’s SUV, the mood was completely different.  Sophia was in charge of the radio and was switching stations until she found a song they liked and they would sing along, often dissolving into laughter because none of them could sing on key or they couldn’t remember the lyrics and made up their own.  They were currently singing, ‘Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty at near ear-shattering levels. 

“We sound awful,” Maria said with a laugh as the song ended and the familiar notes of another started.  “Leave it there; ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ is one of my favorites.”  Five minutes later they were singing ABBA, the boys louder than the girls, as Ant pulled into the parking lot where the others were waiting in silence. 
  
Pat and Bob were the last ones in the restaurant arriving in time to see Alberto scent Maria and they squirmed as they heard him tell her how beautiful she looked as he gave her a bouquet of light pink roses.  “I told you we should’ve brought them flowers,” said Bob as he glared at his fraternal twin.

“Did not.  I told you we should’ve dressed nicer, they look gorgeous and we look like slobs, and you realize we haven’t talked to them, we look like idiots,” Pat retorted.

“I was waiting for you, you’re the oldest,” Bob said with a frown.   

“By two fucking minutes, that doesn’t make me an expert on women.  How the fuck am I supposed to know anything?  It’s my first real date too,” Pat said as he hit his brother on the shoulder. 

“If you two are done arguing, would you like to join us?  We’re already seated,” Anthony said as he looked at them from across the room.  “Alberto and I’ll help, we’ll talk about music, movies and other shit so you can get to know them, okay?”  The boys nodded and sat at the table; Bob, Erin, Sophia and Anthony on one side, Alberto, Maria, Caitlin and Pat across from them.

“Brianna and Morgan told us about pizza and Antipasto,” said Erin excitedly.  “I’d like to try the Supreme without mushrooms.”

“And I’d like to try Italian Sausage with extra cheese,” added Caitlin.

“Uhmm, sure.  Whatever you’d like,” muttered Pat as Bob nodded. Gabby took their order as Carmelo and Angelo placed two Antipasto platters on the table with fresh baked bread.  The Carlucci boys were seated at a table halfway across the room and already had their order taken and were eating Antipasto.  

There was silence after Gabby left and Anthony looked at Pat and Bob who had their heads down as they quickly ate.  “Pat and Bob, have you thought any more of what you’re going to study at college?” 

Pat nodded and said, “Law enforcement.”

“Same,” added Bob as both brothers got quiet again. 

Anthony sighed and thought this was going to be harder than he thought.  He looked at Erin and Caitlin and said, “What are the two of you planning to study?”

Erin smiled and said, “Daddy’s been looking at MD’s website and all the different classes they offer.  Since I like old houses, I’d like to study Historic Preservation, specializing in design, like paint color and schemes, moldings and gingerbread trim.  Queen Anne Victorians are my favorite design period, though the Second Empire, like The School House, is a close second.”  The Carlucci boys were listening intently and Lorenzo smiled when he heard Erin.

“I like Art, specifically the visual design of stained glass and the story it tells,” Caitlin said with a sigh.  “Daddy found a store in Hagerstown that sells stained glass supplies and they offer classes, he’s going to see if I can take them.  I’d like to design and make my own but I’d also like to get into restoring existing work.”       

Anthony looked at Pat and Bob who simply nodded, he sighed again and said, “I don’t think you’ll have a problem with the classes, as long as you have someone with you.  Phil might like to take them; he’s very creative and artistic.”

“He said he’d go to class with me and when I start designing, they’ll carry them in the store,” Caitlin said enthusiastically.  “He said there’s lots of fairs where I could set up a booth and sell them on weekends; I think that’d be a lot of fun.”  Damian looked up from his food and stared at her, he felt his wolf’s agitation as he paced back and forth as they wondered how many boys would be around her.

“Matt said they have a booth for their store and that it’d be a good idea for us to have one to drive business to the bakery,” added Erin putting her head down to hide her smile as she heard a low growl.

“What the hell was that?” asked Gianni as he looked at Lorenzo.

“I was clearing my throat,” he answered with a frown.  He had no idea what made him growl, maybe it was because he was assigned to protect her, but the thought of her being friendly with other boys didn’t seem right to him or his wolf.  “Where’s the fucking pizza, I’m starved.”  He looked around the table and seeing Victor still eating his Antipasto, he took the Genoa Salami off his plate while Victor tried to stab him with his fork.  “You’ve got to be quicker baby brother.”

Sal watched Gabby as she walked around the restaurant; taking orders, filling drinks, serving food, laughing with customers as they paid and every time their eyes met, she would smile and his heart would start to race.  Angelo walked by the table and said, “Pizza’ll be out in five, and stop pervin’ on my sister.”

Sal’s mouth dropped open and the boys began to laugh but stopped abruptly when a group of ten boys walked in.  “Fuckin Weaver,” Lorenzo said narrowing his eyes.  He stopped walking when he saw the Carlucci’s then his gaze landed on Anthony’s table; he nodded to them before leading the way to his table.  Sal watched as Gabby went to get their drink order and growled low in his throat as he heard one of the guys with Weaver flirt with her and ask her out on a date. 

“Thank you, but I have a boyfriend,” she replied a little louder than necessary before turning and waving at Sal, who automatically waved back. 

“You’re going out with the baby Carlucci?” Weaver asked with a laugh.  “Is he even old enough to drive?”

“Harry, you know his name is Salvatore, and he’s old enough for a LOT of things,” Gabby snapped and went behind the counter to place their drink order. 

Sal got up, shrugging Victors hand off his arm as he went to talk to Gabby; hearing the snide comments from Weavers table he stopped.  “Leave my girlfriend alone,” he said in a low menacing voice.  “I may be young, but I can still put ALL of you down.  Keep that in mind the next time you look in Gabby’s direction.”  The boys at the table sat up straight as they looked at Sal, who was suddenly flanked by Gianni, Marcus, Lorenzo and Damian. 

Angelo made a move to join them and Carmelo stopped him saying, “Let Sal handle it.  If he is Gabby’s mate, his wolf won’t like you interfering.”  Angelo nodded, not happy but he understood what his father was saying.

Sal clenched his fists as Weaver stood putting his hands up, “Sorry dude, we didn’t mean anything by it.  Gabby’s a good looking girl and you can’t blame anyone for wanting to go out with her.”  Sal looked at Weaver until he lowered his eyes then did the same to each boy at the table, making them submit to him.

He took a step towards Weaver and said quietly, “A little bit of advice from the baby Carlucci…learn some courtesy and respect.  If you don’t, you’ll always be looking for someone instead of having someone.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make sure my girlfriend is okay.”  He walked away without looking back, his wolf still agitated but proud they had defended Gabby.

Lorenzo said in a nasty tone, “I guess that’s the end of that Weaver.  Vin and Dom told us what happened last night; we’ll see you in two weeks.”  The four Carlucci’s went back to their table where their pizzas were waiting.  “Sal handled himself well.  He’s really getting possessive of Gabby.”  They turned to look at Sal who was holding Gabby against his side as he whispered in her ear.  Minutes later, they heard one of the cooks holler an order was ready and Gabby kissed Sal on his cheek before pulling away and going into the kitchen. 

Sal sat down and stared into space for several minutes before looking at his pizza and said, “Who the hell ate half my pizza?  I’m starving.”

“You snooze, you lose cousin.  You’re lucky we didn’t eat all of it,” said Damian as he finished his last slice.  “And don’t worry about it stud muffin; we’ll get snacks at the movies.  Now hurry up, it won’t take them long since only Ant, Alberto and the girls are talking.  Pat and Bob haven’t said more than ten words the entire evening, which is unusual because normally they won’t shut up.”

“And how would you know?  You talk so fucking much it’s a wonder anybody can say anything,” retorted Lorenzo as he snagged a breadstick off Enzo’s plate.  “Hey Ant, you got any pizza left over there?  We’re still hungry.”

“Yeah, there’s almost two whole pizzas left, you can…” before he could finish, the boys were at their table and grabbing slices of pizza off the trays and the girls plates.  They didn’t even bother going back to their table, just stood over them as they finished the rest of the food.

“You all are a bunch of vultures,” Maria said with a frown.

“With bad table manners,” added Caitlin with a scowl.

“Now that’s an interesting sentence…do vultures have manners?” Damian asked as he took Caitlin’s drink out of her hand and emptied it before handing it back to her.  “Seriously, how polite do they have to be?  Since their only purpose is to feed on the carcasses of dead animals.  Do they lay down linen napkins and tablecloths before they start feasting?  Or do they politely take turns as they’re ripping pieces of meat off something lying dead in the road?  Maybe they burped without saying ‘Excuse me’.”  He let out a large burp drawing the attention of most people in the restaurant but seeing his crooked smile, they smiled in return.

Caitlin tried not to laugh as she said, “You’re disgusting.”

“I know,” he replied with a grin as he reached down and took the pizza out of her hand.  “But my charm and good looks more than make up for it.” 

Holly welcomed the Carlucci’s and minutes later they were on the patio where drinks and appetizers were waiting.  Vin and Dom were on the wood shed roof replacing the plywood and the girls were learning defensive moves with Matt demonstrating and Phil, Todd and Papa Mike adjusting their stance and arms.  The Carlucci men watched for several moments before Frank had Paulo demonstrate so each man had one girl to focus and he walked around supervising, low murmurs were heard as they offered encouragement and advice.  What they didn’t realize was the many ways they were helping the girls; giving them confidence that they could defend themselves, helping build their self-esteem and most important of all - wiping the memory of what they endured in their previous Pack at the directive of the males and replacing it with the loving caring nature of males.   

“They’re really good with them,” Holly said as Joe stood behind Fallon moving her left arm in a swinging motion while bringing her right arm up to protect her head.  After doing this several times, he had her do it on her own while he stepped in front of her, making adjustments but always offering encouragement. 

“They’re tougher on the boys but the girls get the same training, just in a different manner,” Annie said with a shrug.  “It’s in their nature to protect and nurture them, so when they train the girls, they’re more patient and speak in a quiet tone.”

“But they get the same results,” added Rose smiling at Fiona and Maeve who were working with Matt and Phil.  “Looking at them now, in a couple of months you won’t believe what they’ll be capable of.”

Holly sighed and took a deep breath before saying quietly, “I don’t know if I’ll be able to hurt let alone kill anyone when the time comes.”

Rose and Annie swung their gaze towards her and Rose said quietly, “None of us knows what we’re capable of until the times comes.”  She looked at her family with a determined look on her face, “But I know if somebody tried to hurt my family, nothing on this earth would stop me from killing them.”

Annie nodded, “I wouldn’t hesitate to kill anybody that threatened what belongs to me.  They made the choice to attack us and we’ll fight them, until our last breath.”  The sisters looked at each other, knowing if anything happened to one of them, the other would raise their family like their own.

“I’ll try my best on Tuesdays to learn everything you teach me.  I need to focus on the fact it’s them or us,” Holly said in a determined voice.  She stopped talking as she looked at her daughters before saying in a voice laced with steel, “More importantly it’s them or my daughters and no one will hurt my daughters.”

Rose raised her glass and said in a low voice, “To family.”  The women clinked glasses and saw Frank and Joe look around the side of the house and turned to watch Gina, Carlo and Dante come around the corner. 

“I’m sorry we’re late, but Dante got a call from someone in his Pack and had to deal with that,” said Gina as she looked at the women while Carlo and Dante went to help with the girls.  “He wants to talk to us in private without the youngsters.”  The women looked at her and she shook her head, “He didn’t tell us either.”

“We missed the start time for ‘Freaky Friday’, but ‘S.W.A.T.’ starts in fifteen,” said Anthony as he tried to hide his smile.  He saw the expression on Sophia’s face and said quickly, “It wasn’t my fault.  Maria asked Gabby if she wanted to join us and we had to wait on her.  Come on, let’s get tickets, then get some snacks.”

“You ugh, want something?” muttered Pat.  Erin and Caitlin nodded and followed him to the snack bar where they ordered popcorn, a drink and Juju Beans. 

Five minutes later each Carlucci boy had a tray with a large tub of popcorn, large drink, four hot dogs, cheese nachos and several candy bars.  Erin and Caitlin gasped when they saw all the food and Lorenzo said, “What?  The movie’s almost two hours, we’ll starve to death before it finishes.”

“Let’s grab our seats,” said Anthony carrying his and Sophia’s snacks.  The small theater which only had forty seats was empty and the four couples sat in two rows in the middle, while the Carlucci boys and Gabby sat in the back. 

“I ugh, did you like the pizza?” asked Bob without looking at Erin. 

“Yes, it was really nice.  Different than what we’re used to,” she said with a smile.  “Thank you for asking me out, I’ve had a good time so far.”

“I ugh don’t want to sound like a perv or anything, but do you mind if I scent you?” he asked as he blushed bright red.  “I want to find my mate really bad and so far I’m not getting anything.  I’m not sure if it’s because I’m nervous or if your scent is being overpowered by everything around us.”

Erin thought seeing another male scent her would make Lorenzo take notice, so she said, “Sure, I’d like to find my mate too.”  She tilted her neck as Bob scented her deeply and smiled as a loud growl was heard.  Bob looked at Lorenzo and saw his eyes had shifted to amber and he had a scowl on his face.

“Did your wolf do anything?” she whispered as the coming attractions started to play, preventing anyone from hearing her.

“I got nothing; he basically yawned.  Now that I know you’re not my mate I’m not nervous anymore and I can relax and be myself,” Bob whispered as he heard the growl again.  “I think Lorenzo likes you and might be your mate.  Did you hear him growl when I scented you?  And he’s still growling because I’m whispering in your ear.  He watches you all the time; I noticed that the other day.  Plus he acted really possessive of you today at the football game.”

“You really think he’s jealous?” Erin asked with a smile. 

“Yeah, I think he’s boiling.  He’s a good friend of mine and one of the reasons I was so nervous tonight was I wasn’t quite sure what his reaction was going to be.  I’m not sure if you’ve noticed or not, but he’s a huge pain in the ass,” he whispered in her ear and smiled when he heard her giggle.  Sitting back, he watched the screen for a few minutes before whispering in her ear, “Hey, I have an idea but I don’t know if you would want to do it.  It’s not very nice and he’d get really upset with us, but he’s such a dick…ugh I shouldn’t have said that…anyway he deserves it.”

Erin was intrigued and asked quickly, “What is it?”

A playful smile crossed his face and he waited until the movie was loud before he whispered, “I think we should flirt, I’ll put my arm around you, scent you, whisper in your ear, you smile at me, put your head on my shoulder, things like that.  I think it’ll drive him nuts for you to be close to another male.  What do you think?  Is it too much?”  Erin was laughing so hard she couldn’t answer but managed to nod and Bob whispered, “I can see him out of the corner of my eye and he’s watching us, not the movie.  You ready?  I’m going to put my arm around you, scent you and whisper in your ear.  Okay?”  Erin nodded while she tried to stop laughing.

When Bob was sure he had Lorenzo’s attention, he brought his arm up and placed it on Erin’s shoulder.  He heard a loud growl and Erin began to giggle as he whispered, “You hear him?”  Bob kept talking, telling her about his family and that he hoped she would be good friends with his sister Emily.  She smiled at the pride in his voice as he talked about her plans to become a veterinarian.  He glanced at Lorenzo before scenting her hair and kept scenting her as the growls got louder.  “Next time it’s quiet, say something that’ll annoy him.”

Erin was quiet as she thought of what to say and coming up with nothing she asked Caitlin.  After filling her in on their plan, Caitlin was laughing and asked, “I wonder if that’d work on Damian?  Let me think a moment.”  Two minutes later, she said, “I got it.  Say ‘Thanks, I’m glad you asked me out and I think you looked really good in your uniform too.’  Then giggle and snuggle up to him.” 

Erin waited another minute and repeated what Caitlin told her and heard a loud growl as she snuggled up to Bob.  “I think it’s working,” he whispered as his body shook with laughter.  “You should see his face.”

“What the fuck is the matter with you?  Why do you keep growling?” asked Marcus as he looked around trying to find out what was setting Lorenzo off.

“You don’t see what’s going on?  He’s practically molesting her,” Lorenzo answered with a snarl.  “And she’s sitting there giggling like an idiot and telling him how good he looked in his fucking football uniform.”

“You’re losing your fucking mind, he’s not molesting her.  They’re laughing, so let them be,” Damian said with a grin.  “And stop the fuckin growling.  The manager’s gonna call Animal Control cause they’re gonna think a dog’s loose in here.”

Lorenzo slumped in his seat, watching Erin while everyone else watched the movie. Fifteen minutes passed and he got angrier and angrier, his wolf was no longer pacing but running as if trying to break free, his eyes were amber and the hair on his arms was growing longer.  He heard a loud giggle and said, “THAT’S IT, I’M GOING TO MOVE BEHIND THEM.”  He tried to get up but Damian threw his hand over his chest from the right while Gianni threw his over from the left. 

“Sit your ass down, you’re acting like a jealous possessive mate,” Marcus said as he turned to look at his cousin.  Seeing the scowl on his face and feeling his anger, he burst out laughing, “Face it Lorenzo, it’s time to shit or get off the pot.  She means something to you, so you need to deal with it.  Until you decide to man up, leave the poor girl alone and let her enjoy her date…the date that she’s on with another male… an UNMATED male who is holding her, scenting her and whispering in her ear while she enjoys it.  And from the looks of it, she’s REALLY enjoying it.”

“SON OF A BITCH… TAKE THAT BACK,” Lorenzo yelled, throwing Damian and Gianni’s arms off and launching himself at Marcus who was sitting four seats away.  Sal seeing what was happening grabbed Gabby and pushed her out of the way.  The four couples turned to see what was going on and Anthony, Alberto, Pat and Bob went to help as it dissolved into a free for all in the back of the theater.

Ten minutes later, the girls were leaning against the seat backs as they watched them and Gabby said, “This is boring, I’ve run out of popcorn.”

“Have some of mine, I’ve got Juju Beans too,” said Caitlin with a smile.

“I can’t believe they’re still fighting,” said Erin as she took a sip of soda.

“I can…they’re idiots,” Maria responded as she rolled her eyes before she picked up Alberto’s tub of popcorn.  “What set them off this time?”  Seeing the look of guilt on Erin’s face, Maria’s eye lit up.  “Spill.”  The girls moved close together as Erin told them what she and Bob had done.  The girls put their hands over their mouths to hold in their laughter and Maria had a twinkle in her eye, “He deserves it.”    

After another ten minutes, Sophia said, “We’ve eaten all the snacks, we have no idea what’s going on in the movie and we’re bored.  You all ready to leave?”  The girls nodded and she whistled loudly, stopping the boys instantly.  “Let’s get out of here.  Damian, you know what to do.”  She spun on her heel and they followed her out of the theater.  They waited in the hallway while Damian went to the office explaining they had an issue in the movie; he gave the Manager $500 to help with the cleanup and a Triple C business card if the damages exceeded that.  The lobby was quiet as people stared as the girls led the way while the boys followed two steps behind with black eyes, split lips, torn shirts and covered in bruises and food.     

As they stood in the parking lot, the boys shook the food off as the girls stood away so they wouldn’t get dirty.  “What should we do now?” asked Caitlin with a smile. 

“I wanna go home and take a shower, I’ve got soda running down the crack of my…well, someplace it shouldn’t be,” said Damian with a smile.  “I say we go back to the house, get cleaned up then figure out what to do.”  Everyone climbed into the assigned vehicles and Bob gave Erin and Caitlin a blanket to wrap around them so they wouldn’t get dirty sitting next to Gino.

“Dinner was delicious Holly.  I’m glad we were able to save the steaks after the fire was put out,” said Gina as she helped bring in plates from the patio. 

“I’m surprised the men let Matt near the grill,” Annie added with a laugh.  “Did you see the look on their faces when they saw the flames?”  The women looked out the patio doors as the men drank beer and watched while the girls practiced with Paulo and Vin and Dom shingled the roof.  

“I really want to know what Dante found out, and if it has anything to do with what happened at the game,” Holly looked at Gina with a thoughtful look on her face.  “I’ve never felt that kind of power before, he had the whole stadium submit to him and he wasn’t even trying.”

Gina sighed loudly as she said, “We’ve always known he was powerful, but seeing it like that was totally unexpected and he hasn’t even come into his gifts yet.  I worry if he’ll be able to handle all the power and responsibility that comes with it.”

“He’s always been mature, responsible and level headed… except where it concerns my daughter,” said Rose as the two women smiled.  “Sophia is mature for her age, responsible, a fierce fighter, detail oriented, able to withstand pressure, but most of all she’s a calming influence…she’s had to be considering the twelve heathens she’s put up with since the day she was born.  They’ll make a good Alpha pair; they’ll enrich each others strengths and overcome their weaknesses.”

Gina started to laugh and said, “I notice you didn’t say anything about her having a bad temper.  She’s part Vitti, and I know the temper you have.”

“That was a given, us Vitti’s are legendary when it comes to our tempers, it puts Frank and Joe’s to shame,” said Rose with a shrug.  “I’m afraid the combination of Vitti and Carlucci tempers has given all of our youngsters a horrible temper, but on the plus side it brings out their forgiving side too.”

They pulled in front of Frank’s house, and after the youngsters got out Lorenzo looked at Pat and Bob and snarled, “The date is over.  Go home.”  He grabbed Erin by the hand and dragged her towards the house while the boys stared and the girls hid their smiles.  After unlocking the door and punching in the code he continued to drag her into the kitchen where he pulled out a chair and ordered her to sit.  He took a deep breath and stared at her before waving his arms in the air and shouting, “WHAT THE FUCK IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?”

Upon hearing him holler, the youngsters hurried into the house while Marcus kept Pat and Bob outside saying, “It might be better for the two of you to leave.  Seeing you around Erin will probably set him off again.”  Noticing the smile on Bob’s face, he started to laugh, “You did all of that on purpose, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, I did.  I heard him growling whenever I got close to her, and I saw the way he’s been looking at her.  I figured he either liked her or was her mate and decided to have a little fun.  What are friends for, if not to torment the hell out of each other,” Bob said with a smile.

“Well, it was entertaining as hell, we haven’t had a good brawl in weeks,” replied Marcus as they gave each other fist bumps.  “I’ll see you guys tomorrow evening at training.  Oh, and Bob, you’d better hope you don’t get partnered with Lorenzo.”  He watched them pull out of the driveway before going into the house, setting the alarm and as he walked in the kitchen he saw Lorenzo standing over Erin continuing to rant while the youngsters stood there with amused expressions. 

“What the hell Lorenzo?  She’s not responsible for all of that.  She wasn’t even part of the Pack when you got in trouble for breaking curfew or shattering the window in your truck.  I said it before, hell we’ve all said it before, but you’re losing your fucking mind,” Marcus said before he started laughing.

“That’s not the point I’m trying to make.  My point is…fuck, she has me so fucking confused I don’t even know what my point is anymore,” Lorenzo said as he threw his hands in the air.  Erin smiled which set him off again, “You think it’s funny?  It’s not fucking funny, none of it is.  You’re too good for him, he didn’t talk to you, he didn’t tell you how beautiful you looked, didn’t bring you flowers, didn’t treat you the way you deserved.  And you’re giggling like an idiot while you let him SCENT you.  Why?  Why would you do that?  You deserve so much better.”

Erin stared into his eyes and saw they were flickering between emerald and amber and said quietly, “I want my mate and thought it would help.”

“If your mate doesn’t realize who he is, then he’s the biggest fucking fool on this planet and a gigantic ass,” he snarled.  “Anybody would be lucky to have you as a mate; you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, you’re smart, sweet, funny and you dress nice.  He’s got to be the biggest fucking idiot around.”  He stopped talking and looked at her and felt his wolf snarling and pacing again, “I’m going to ask Dad and Uncle Frank to change the protection detail.  I can’t deal with this anymore and I don’t want to be around you right now.” 

The youngsters watched as he strode down the hall, anger radiating off him in waves and Anthony said, “What the fuck was all that?” 

The girls ran over to Erin who was crying, “He really hates me.  What did I ever do to make him hate me so much?”  

“Go get showered and changed.  We’ll take care of her,” Sophia said in a firm tone.  The boys quietly left the room, and once Sophia was sure they were upstairs, she ushered the girls to her mothers sitting room and closed the door.  She handed Erin some tissues and Caitlin held her twin as her tears slowly stopped. 

“He doesn’t hate you Erin, I know he doesn’t,” whispered Maria as she moved to Erin’s other side.  “He’s really stubborn and right now he’s so confused by what he’s feeling for you that he’s lashing out.”

“Was it like that for you and Sophia?” she asked with a hiccup.

“No, but we knew Alberto and Anthony our entire lives.  They had time to develop their feelings; with you and Lorenzo it’s been really fast.  Brianna and Morgan were lucky because Vin and Dom were ready to find their mates and Lorenzo…well…he’s Lorenzo and totally different,” she responded. 

“He said some really nice things about you, concentrate on that instead of the end of his little rant,” added Gabby with a smile.

“He did, didn’t he?” asked Erin as a smile crossed her face.  She took a deep breath and said, “What do you think I should do now?  I’ve tried ignoring him and we’ve had the debacle of him seeing me with another male.”  The girls thought for several minutes and came up with another plan for both Erin and Caitlin.

The boys got their clothes and went to the pool house to shower and change; there was a large shower, reminiscent of a locker room and it would be easier for all of them to shower there.  Lorenzo still had an angry expression on his face and after several minutes Ant said, “You want to talk about what happened?”

“Not really,” said Lorenzo angrily before he sighed.  “She just makes me so mad and irritated that I don’t know what to do and then I get mad and holler at her.”

“You made her cry again,” said Gianni with a frown. 

“Oh fuck, I didn’t mean to make her cry again,” he said putting his hands on the tiled wall as his head fell down.  “Was she really crying or just tearing up?”

“Big fucking tears running down her face, eyes all red and puffy, hiccupping…the whole works,” added Angelo with a frown.  “What are you going to do to make things right?  We were raised with the same set of principles Lorenzo and what you did was wrong and you know it.”

Lorenzo started to hit his forehead on the tile as he said, “I know.  It was wrong on so many levels that I don’t know where to start.”

“You can start by apologizing and being nicer to her.  She didn’t do anything wrong, you over-reacted to a harmless bit of flirting,” Ant said in a firm tone.  “You also ruined the girls first date, something they were looking forward to and will remember the rest of their lives.”

“Fuck, I wasn’t thinking of the rest of them, I was only thinking of Erin.  I always seem to be thinking about Erin lately.  It’s like even when I’m trying not to think of her, I’m still thinking of her.  When I’m not with her, I’m wondering if she’s okay and what she’s doing,” he turned around and slid down the wall, putting his head in his hands.  “Seeing Bob with his arm around her and scenting her…I wanted to rip his fucking head off.  He’s lucky he didn’t try to kiss her; I know I would have lost it.  Bob’s my friend and I want to kill him for touching her.  That’s why Dad and Uncle Frank have to take me off this detail, I can’t think straight any more.  It’s driving me nuts cause I don’t even like her.”

Ant and Alberto looked at each other and Alberto said, “Could he really be that dense?  He’s feeling all this for her and doesn’t realize she’s his mate?” 

“He doesn’t realize he’s saying the same things we were about our mates and the issues we had,” said Ant and saw Gianni about to say something and shook his head.  He opened the link to include the boys except for Lorenzo and Damian, “They’re obviously mates and what he’s feeling is the mating pull.  He’s so fucking stubborn he won’t listen to anybody and he needs to figure it out on his own and until he accepts it, he’ll be more and more miserable.”  He turned to Damian and watched him as he was muttering something about Caitlin and continued, “I also think Caitlin is Damian’s mate.  If you look under the smart ass remarks and attitude, he’s extremely possessive of her, listen to him over there rambling.” 

“…and Caitlin didn’t let Pat scent her, but he was sitting entirely too close to her,” Damian said with a scowl.  “And did you see all the guys from SP looking at her, or Weaver and his group of dickheads?  I know she’s beautiful, but they were acting like they’ve never seen a beautiful girl before.  What a bunch of fucking idiots.  Now that I think about it I don’t think either of them should go on any more dates.”  He stopped talking and rinsed the shampoo out of his hair.

Enzo asked, “Are you going to tell us why?” 

“They’re too young, they should wait until they’re in college or something.  It’s disturbing to see them with other guys,” he shrugged as he stepped out of the shower and started to dry off.  “Lorenzo’s right …fuck…that’s something I never thought I’d say.  Anyway, they deserved a lot more out of their first dates.”

Michael said, “What about the other girls, and their first dates?”

“Who?” Lorenzo responded with a blank stare.

“Sophia and Maria, you fucking idiot,” retorted Ant with a scowl.  “Remember them?”

Lorenzo finally stood and moved under the warm spray rinsing the nacho cheese out of his hair.  “I know who the fuck they are.  Erin’s got my mind so fucked up right now that I wasn’t thinking straight and was a little confused.  But you’re right; we need to make it up to her…to all of them.  How about we go to Fred’s and get some ice cream?  That’s one of the things Erin wanted to do.”

“Sounds good to me.  I’m getting hungry anyway, since we ended up wearing the snacks instead of eating them,” said Anthony as the boys finished their shower and got dressed. 

Frank hung the phone up and scowled, “That was the manager of the movie theater.  Apparently our youngsters got into a fight and left such a mess the manager had to close the one theater down while it got cleaned.  They left $500 but it wasn’t enough to cover the damages so I told him to send the bill to me.  It seems it’s not the first time either but they always pay for the damages.  He said that except for the fact they wreck the place, they’re nice, well mannered children.”

“What?  Are the girls ok?” asked Todd with a concerned look on his face.

“I’m going to ask Lorenzo how everything is going.  Carlo open the link so everyone can hear,” said Joe with a frown.  “Lorenzo, we were wondering how everything is going.  Are the girls okay and having a good time?”

“Fuck, Dad’s asking me how things are going,” Lorenzo said as they stopped halfway to the house.  “What should I say?”

“Tell him everything’s fine,” said Enzo as he looked nervously around the yard as if expecting his Dad to pop around the corner.

“Ugh, everything is fine,” Lorenzo replied as Anthony opened the link to the boys and motioned for him to keep talking.  “We had dinner at Carmelo’s, and we were running late so we got tickets for ‘S.W.A.T.’ instead of ‘Freaky Friday’.”      

“Are you still at the movies?”  The boys froze and looked at each other.  “Lorenzo, what’s the matter, why aren’t you answering?”

“Uhm, there was too much fighting so we decided to get ice cream from Fred’s,” the boys nodded in approval of his answer.  He wasn’t technically lying to his father, there was a fight, but it was the boys that were fighting.

Joe looked at the other men, they knew he wasn’t telling the entire truth, “You know that father/son talk we had after Anthony’s declaration, and everyone said they wanted another one?  Well, we’re going to have another one at the lake….YOU HEAR ME BOYS?  I KNOW ALL OF YOU ARE LISTENING.”

“Uhmm, okay Dad, we’ve uhmm, got to go,” Lorenzo said as he closed the link.  He turned to the boys and said, “We are so fucking busted.”

“Come on, let’s get the girls and get to Fred’s.  We told them we were going there and they might check,” said Gianni with a worried frown.  They ran into the kitchen and saw the girls sitting at the kitchen table quietly talking. 

Lorenzo’s eyes went immediately to Erin and his heart slammed in his chest as he saw her red eyes.  He cleared his throat and said quietly, “Uhmm, Erin can I talk to you in private?  We can go into the other room.”  Erin looked at the other girls and he saw them nod and she went into the family room where she stood uncertainly in the middle of the room.  “Why don’t we sit on the sofa, it’ll be more comfortable.”  She sat in the middle of the sofa, smoothing her dress before clasping her hands on her lap, following the girls suggestions to act in a ladylike manner and let him apologize but let him know he wasn’t going to treat her like that anymore.

Lorenzo glanced into the kitchen where everyone was pretending to be busy but were listening intently to what was going on.  He sighed loudly before sitting next to her.  “I’d like to apologize for my earlier behavior.  There’s no excuse for the things I said to you, and my mother would be appalled if she knew I behaved like that,” he said in a sincere tone.  “I’d also like to apologize for ruining your first date.  Again, there’s no excuse for my behavior except to say I acted like an idiot and I promise you it won’t ever happen again.”  He ran his hands through his hair and sighed deeply again before continuing, “I’m not going to ask Dad and Uncle Frank to change the detail.  I’m not sure why, but my wolf and I are extremely protective of you and it wouldn’t be right to have somebody else doing what we consider our job.”

Lorenzo leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and his head bowed waiting for Erin to say something.  Several minutes went by and he felt the tension ratcheting up before he heard that delightful soft Texas drawl that he liked listening to, “I accept your apology, but I want you to know how much you hurt me.  You’ve said some really mean and hateful things to me, things I don’t feel I deserve.  I know the day we came over for the dating meeting I was a little sarcastic and I’ll apologize to you for that now.  But I’m not sure why you dislike me so much and I don’t understand where the hate for me comes from.  I’m not a bad person Lorenzo, and I think if you got to me know, you’d realize that and not hate me so much.” 

“I don’t hate you, I think we just got off to a bad start and if you’re agreeable I’d like to start over,” he said with a sigh.  “And to make up for the disaster I made of your first date, I’d like to take you to Fred’s for ice cream.  I remember that was one of the things you wanted to do.”

“You remembered that?” Erin asked with a smile.

“Well, yeah.  I remember everything about you, everything you say I listen to,” he said with a shrug.  “You like carrots, hate brussel sprouts; love ‘NCIS’ but hate ‘CSI’; like classic rock, hate banjo music; there’s more but you get the idea.  Now, would you like to go to Fred’s with me and get some ice cream?”

“Yes, I’d like that,” she said with a big smile and his eyes focused on her grey eyes that were still shimmering from her earlier tears.

He whispered in her ear so the others wouldn’t hear and said, “I’m so sorry I made you cry.  I promise it’ll never happen again, I hate myself for doing that to you.”  He breathed deeply of her strawberry shortcake scent and felt a calmness wash over him and his wolf stopped pacing and sat at attention.  He sat back and shook his head to clear his thoughts and stood up, reaching out to Erin.  She smiled shyly at him before placing her hand in his and they walked into the kitchen.

“You ready?” Anthony asked with a smile.  Everyone nodded and moments later they were in the two vehicles and headed to Fred’s. 

“Okay Dante, we’ve waited long enough.  The youngsters are in the family room watching a movie; the others are at Fred’s.  It’s time to let us know what the hell is going on,” said Carlo as he leaned back on the sofa in Todd’s office.

“Hold on a sec, let me put the monitors on so we can see what’s going on in the family room,” said Todd as he glanced at Frank who nodded.  Holly got up and got wine for the women and whiskey for the men. 

“I contacted my Archivist Nick, earlier in the week to confirm my suspicions and to search for additional information and he finally called me back today.  While we were talking I informed him of the discovery of the French prophecy and he is going to search the Vatican Archives to see if there is any more information there.  I am also going to contact my cousin to see if there is an English prophecy, and we will contact our other allies to see if there are any other nationalities that have similar prophecies,” Dante said as he looked at Carlo who nodded his head in agreement.  “Now, onto the original reason I contacted Nick.” 

Dante stared at Todd and his father and took a deep drink of his whiskey before asking calmly, “Have you ever seen the movie ‘Braveheart’?”

Todd nodded, “Of course, it’s one of our favorite movies, but what does that have to do with us?”

“History has a way of combining myths and legends into fact and that is where your family comes in,” Dante said before taking another drink.  “At the Battle of Stirling Bridge, those elements come into play because what is not known in the present day is some of the Highland Clans were Werewolf Packs.  William Wallace and Andrew de Moray were the Alphas of two of those Clans or Packs and I believe you are the last true descendants of Andrew de Moray, The Guardian of Scotland.”

Silence surrounded them as everyone stared at Dante who calmly got up and got more whiskey.  Todd cleared his throat and said, “What does that mean and what makes you think we’re his descendants?  As far as I knew, we were Irish.”

“Your eyes…liquid sterling silver eyes,” Dante said as he stared into Todd’s eyes before looking down and swirling the amber colored whiskey in his glass.  “After the battle according to legend, Luna came down and as a reward for his faithful service she healed Andrew of his mortal wounds and it changed his eye color to sterling silver signifying the eternal color of the moon showing he had been blessed by the Moon Goddess herself.”

Dante took another long drink of whiskey and let the silence surround them before he continued.  “According to legend when his wolf took over, his eyes remained the purest of silver and did not turn amber…just like yours, your fathers and the girls.  I had a suspicion but was not sure until the night of your status level assessment and when you changed into your wolf your eyes remained silver.  There are members of the Clan who have light blue eyes with streaks of silver but their eyes change to amber when they shift.  Only his true descendants would have eyes of pure sterling silver and remain that color when they shift.”

The only sound heard was the clinking of ice cubes as Dante swirled the whiskey in his glass.  “If I am right, this places your family in serious danger.  The true line has been missing for seven hundred years and there are those who will do anything to keep you from claiming your birthright.  A birthright that made his descendants go into hiding to keep them safe from their enemies and those of Scotland.”  Dante drained his glass and got up to get another refill, bringing the bottle back with him this time.

“I think somebody has discovered your true identity and that is why they are interested in your daughters,” Dante said staring at Todd.  “By mating with one of them they can take over the Pack as the rightful Ruler of the Land…and everything it entails, including power, wealth and most importantly influence over the other Packs of Scotland and thus of all Europe.” 

Before anybody could respond, Paulo screamed to his Alpha, Dad and Uncle, “I CRACKED THE CODE.  I CRACKED THE FUCKING CODE; I’M IN CHARLES’ HARD-DRIVE.”



*******

The "Cold Storm' was an actual event that took place in 1857.  Frigid arctic air and back to back blizzards pummeled the East coast and brought record low temps some of which still stand to this day.

'Swift's Silver Mine' is a mine that is purported to be in Southwestern VA or Eastern Kentucky.  Supposedly lost for over 240 years people are still looking for it to this day.

The actual dates and times for Anthony's birth and conception are actual dates of solar eclipses and Sophia's 18th birthday is a full moon.  

18 comments:

  1. Awesome story! This was 91 pages on MS Word? Or did you save some for later?

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  2. Love the facts/details at the end of the chapter. Thanks for adding them. And this chapter is so long! I like! Yay! So much happened in so little time. I see the story moving forward. I know that I am hooked when I start imagining myself living in SMP's universe. Love the details. Some of the questions are answered but there are still a lot waiting to be revealed. Keep writing.

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  3. love love love this chapter...I can't wait for more...happy dance all weekend..i think something horrible should happen to Victoria and whoever her mate is needs someone better. I am looking forward the them playing against the human team just so Lorenzo and Alberto can teach Harry a lesson. Maybe Anthony can play defense then too and Damian can tell him Harry said something about Sophia

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    1. If that happened then anthony might reveal is true strength to the humans

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  4. Are you going mate all the miller girls to the Carlucci boys and glad your back

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  5. Love this chapter! Erin&Lorenzo are the best couple in my opinion! :)

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  6. Love it as usual. Real mad that someone as sweet as Paulo getting stuck with Victoria Martin as his mate. Unless i understood that wrong? So sad.... hopefully there's someone in his future.

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  7. I just realized that the story is set in 2004. I am an 88-er, so I was surprised that I am a year younger than 17 year-old Ant. Did the math.

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  8. I cant decide which part of this chapter is my favorite. Morgan finally kissing Dom or Carlo realizing Sophia is going to be his daughter in law.

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  9. You have fed the addict, must have more. Thank you for the update :)

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  10. This story is AMAZING!!!! The way you show us the dynamics of Pack life, teenage antics, real world politics, truth telling and lies is just soooooo freaking AWESOME! The interaction of the families..., their historical significance to the world they presently live in is so grounded that if a reader just happened upon a chapter they will be tripping over themselves to go and find this story from the beginning and spend some days taking it in. Each person is significant and has a greater purpose than even they know. I can't name a favorite because as the children, teens and young adults discover themselves, there are aspects of their individual personalities that draw you in. You laugh, get annoyed, become moved by simple statements because you realize particular suffering from the mouths of babes. Wow, just wow. This chapter was telling. I am afraid yet hopeful. The Alphas have done a remarkable job of teaching their children how to be respectful, mindful and responsible leaders. The cousins, betas, families under their protection, all are learning the significance of their roles in this reality. Amazing work!! I have issues with Victoria, but in truth people like this exist and they have the capacity to grow out of their self-centered entitled mindset. Some do, some don't. They all have the same thing in common in many stories..., they work as a catalyst. We anticipate for bad, but only by waiting patiently for the chapters to unfold will we actually know. There is a battle brewing and it will be deadly. The depth in which you show us the escape routes and the need to teach their children how to protect themselves indicates that the tide that is coming is unlike anything they have ever faced. There are those who know their history, there are those who are trying to recreate a prophesy, there are those who ARE the prophesy. Your mind is a wonder, and I cannot wait for the continuation of this story. I don't want anyone in your story that I love to be harmed, but this is your book and I will read it wherever you post it. Thank you for creating such a wonderful place for a person to indulge. There is enough realism in it that it reminds a reader of similar facets in our daily lives, but it gives us a world of shifters, folk-lore, prophesies, hormones and the like. You are a wonderful writer. God Bless and thank you. Can't wait for more.

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  11. due to work I've been on pins and needles trying to finish reading this chapter!!! I've laughed, I've cried and laughed some more!!!

    Victoria is such a rude and immature bitch that needs to be brought down a peg or two but that I think will come later on in your writing. Damien and Lorenzo need to quit making the girls angry and listen to their wolves (but that's a man for you......giggles that's what my mom always said).

    Waiting patiently for the next chapter!!!!

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  12. Any dates I should be looking forward to for the next chapter ?

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  13. Love this!!!! Can't wait for the next chapter!!!

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  14. I love this story and the attention to detail is amazing. On that note... one small problem with continuity I noticed. Lorenzo left his truck at the Miller's. They took Pat and Anthony's vehicles. When they returned home, Pat and Bob where sent home. Then when the group left for Fred's, they got in the two cars and left. One of the original vehicles should have been missing and the absence of Pat and Bob plus a new car bringing the girls home will alert the parents to trouble they were intending to hide. Don't know why such a minor detail struck my eye. This story is incredible.

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    1. Lorenzo's truck is still at the Millers. After the disastrous date, they went to Frank's (Pat,Ant and Alberto were driving) where the boys cleaned up, then went to Fred's (Ant and Alberto driving). The other Carlucci's were at the Millers with the Rossi's. so the parents wouldn't have noticed the youngsters at Frank's.

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  15. Your story is really amazing. It has an awesome plot and i think its really funny as well and love the interaction among the characters.

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