Winter Rose

The smack resounded in my ears as my mother fell to the floor. He stood over her, his face reddening in rage as he continued to yell. My ears were ringing as I stared at my mother who was on her hands and knees. I saw the desire in her eyes, the desire to change forms, but knew she couldn’t, so I did. The familiar aches and pains in my body, as my form shifted, was dulled by the rage pounding through every muscle. I let out a deep throaty growl exposing my fangs.  “What the-” He yelled.  “Kris! No!” My mom screamed over him, I looked between the two of them, the snarl still in my throat, “Kris, look at me.” I did then, as I held her gaze her eyes seemed to say: grab your brother and go. I gave three sharp barks and low howl: Bark. We have to leave.  Bark. Enact evacuation plan.  Bark. Now. Howl. Mom is down. My wolf ears could hear the back door slide open and closed, as my little brother ran around the backyard to the front door that opened behind me. My little brother shifted into a pup, grabbing him by the scruff I followed my mother's instructions and ran.  What happened? Matthew asked, the scent of his fear swirled in my nostrils.  I don’t know, I just got home and they were fighting. He hit mom. She told me to take you and run. I answered in his mind.  But where will we go?  To the alphas, the pack must evacuate. We’ve been compromised. Even if that wasn’t what they were fighting about. He saw me shift. He knows.  But he’s my dad.  Matthew whimpered.  It doesn’t matter that he’s your dad. Hunters will be on our tails so we have to be safe. He hurt mom, I don’t trust him to not hurt you too.  You can put me down now.  No. You can’t keep up. Your legs are too little. He squirmed trying to escape my grasp. Stop. I told him. He did.  I ran keeping to the shadows thankful it was a cloudy night that they chose to fight, it made it so much easier to keep hidden than if it had been midday. I ran along the expressway in the ditch hanging onto Matthew who had finally stopped protesting, getting off on the exit my mom normally took to our grandparents house. The streetlights and busy roads made it harder to hide a wolf wandering through Lincoln Park, so I found a safe place for us to shift back. Matthew was crying softly.  “Hey it’s okay, we’ll go to Papaw and figure this out.” I said kneeling down to his eye level.  “Do you- do you think he ki-killed mom?”  “Oh honey” I gave him a hug, “We need to keep moving this city isn’t safe at night.” He only nodded, taking my hand and we walked down Southfield careful to keep in the light. I cursed myself for not having my cell phone on me, but I hadn’t had time to grab it. We walked until we turned down Applewood where the lights were sparser, “We’re only a couple blocks away.” I whispered to him. He nodded solemnly. I heard movement and could smell people around the corner. I shifted, Matt followed my lead, nothing but a stray and her pup. Well a very large stray. The people turned the corner and froze upon seeing us, Matt hunched down and I positioned myself over him giving a throaty growl.  “Hey there Nice doggy, we don’t mean you no harm.” The lead man put his hands up in a defensive position as they backed across the street. I kept my head lowered and snarling as they went, when they were out of sight I nudged Matt and we continued walking.  Did they really think we were just regular dogs? Matt asked.  Who cares Matty. We’re almost there. We had just turned onto White street. At the thought that a block and a half was all that separated us from safety I picked Matt up by the scruff and began running again. I vaulted the backyard gate and we landed in the safety of our grandparents yard. The red eyes of the city rats glittered as they scurried away sensing the predators that just landed in their midst. Matt and I sat at the back door scratching it and whining. Papaw please wake up. I pushed with my mind. The lights flicked on and the door finally swung open, “Lee we have a problem.” my grandmother said in greeting as Matt and I walked past her through the kitchen into the living room. I shifted collapsing on the couch. 12 miles was a long stretch to run in one go.  “What happened?” my grandfather asked, emerging from their bedroom.  “He-he attacked mom, she told me to take Matt and run.”  A growl ripped through the living room as my grandfather paced in wolf form. I shifted next to him, and sat c*****g my head. Who attacked your mother? He asked which must have been a repetition given his tone.  Carl, her husband.  And where is your mother now? He paced by the window as if expecting her Jeep to pull up blaring rock music at any moment.  I tried to protect her but she told me not to. She told me to take Matt and run. I laid down on my belly with my nose under my paws.  Lee if he saw her shift we have to enact the emergency evacuation plan. Tonight. My grandmother’s soft voice echoed in my mind. I didn’t know when she had shifted only that she stood over me, protecting me in case the news shook my grandfather too much. Les knew what she was doing.  Kris is an alpha now she should have protected her pack.  She’s an alpha in training dear, and she did. Matt is her pack. Les sacrificed her wolf, she no longer was a packmate. She licked my grandfather’s muzzle, Lee we need to call the others. “I know.” He had shifted back, “I’m sorry Kristina.” he added petting my head and resting his forehead against mine. I shifted back as well.  “It’s okay Papaw, I’m sorry I couldn’t save her.” Tears burned my eyes and I saw them reflected in the corners of his blue eyes, “I’ll call Wayne.” I offered.  “I’ll call Brad” my grandma chimed. Papaw only nodded as he handed me the cordless phone.  Within an hour all twenty-four of us were gathered in my grandparents living room. Brad and Damien were pacing in wolf form by my grandfather. My mother’s brother Francis also had remained in wolf form whining while his mate tried comforting him. Diana, Clara, and my grandmother huddled talking in human form while Brittany and Crystal tried soothing their own pups. I remained curled up with Em, my cousin and second, and Matty at my side. Em’s siblings were with their parents, the youngest EJ not old enough yet to understand, only seeing his father was hurting.  “Alright, it’s decided we will drive to our property in Clare tonight.” My grandfather stated when he shifted back.  “What about the Winter pack?” I asked, jumping up into human form. “That’s their territory.”  “Along with the Ebony pack.” Damien said shifting back into human form as well.  “Rumor has it the Winter pack has a young alpha male and that they want to form a union with the young female alpha of the Ebony pack, creating a new pack.” Francis said shifting back as well, tears still streaming down his face.  “It’s the only other territory we own. We will have to stick to our 160 acres, unless…” My grandfather trailed off looking at me.  “Leopold! She is a child.” My grandmother admonished him.  “Hilda, she is also a young alpha. One who we wish to form her own pack.” my grandfather answered. Everyone else remained silent as our alphas stood silently squaring up against one another. It took me a minute before I truly understood what was going on.  “I would be honored to form a union to benefit our pack.” I stated, putting my fist over my heart. “Kris, not now.” My grandmother growled, horrified.   “Grandmother, it is my duty as alpha to protect the pack. And until I am alpha of my own pack it is my duty to obey my alpha. If I weren’t to enter a union contract with the young Winter alpha now I would just enter another one with someone else later on. It’s my destiny. As it was yours.” I glanced between her and my Grandfather. “Plus it’s the only safe place we have, and the hunter’s are going to be on our tails.”  “We’ll discuss this more once we reach the ranch.” My grandmother huffed.  “We need to move now.” Adam, Britt's mate, said coming in from patrol, “I smelled fire a couple blocks west of us. They’ve been alerted.”  “Everyone into their assigned vehicles, Matt and Kris, you're with us. Does everyone have the coordinates?” My grandfather bellowed. After everyone said yes we left one vehicle at a time to avoid raising suspicions, just another family gathering at the Finch household. We sped through the countryside taking only the clothes on our backs, and the important historical documents of our pack. My grandfather as an electrician rigged an electrical fire to start a few hours after we departed. The rest of the family had emailed their bosses explaining their abrupt resignation due to a family emergency, doing the same for the children’s schools. All our legal documents were burned and my grandmother went through sorting out our next identities.  This would only be my second move. I’d held the identity of Kristina Finch for ten years of my life. I didn’t even remember my old name as my grandmother slid me my folder, “Here you are dear.” I opened it to see my most recent headshot and a birth certificate saying Alexandria Mae Rose. My middle name had never changed and would always be Mae, like my mother. I was shocked though that we were going back to our original surname.  “Are we expecting Clare to be our permanent post?” I asked them.  “Yes, should everything go well we shall present with our original names, in light of keeping our property and showing respect and trust to the other packs.” My grandfather answered.  “Our original names?” I asked, running my fingers over the name Alexandria.  “Yes, Alex, that is your original name.” I held the papers close to my chest. The next morning I awoke in my bed on the ranch. We had not had this as our permanent residency during my lifetime, until now. My grandfather was knocking on my door and I heard Em stirring in the bed beside me.  “We have to go get you registered for school. Your file has your school records, all copied from the originals along with your vaccine information so don’t forget it.” He left the room.  Em groaned, “What time is it?”  “Eleven. It’s a good thing the students should still be on summer holiday, so we can start with the fresh semester if everything goes as planned.” I answered.  “Why do we need to start a new school?” Bea, Em’s little sister whined, “I liked my school. I liked my name too.” She pouted.  “Hush, Steph.” Em admonished her sister, and I remembered before heading to register for school we would have to reintroduce ourselves.  Em, Be-Steph, and I got dressed in silence and hurried to the grand living room. Most everyone was there separated into their immediate families. My stomach sank as I took my position next to my grandparents and sibling rather than my mother.  “Alright let’s begin the introductions.” My grandfather cleared his throat, “Archer Rose”.  “Tabitha Rose” My grandmother said.  “Alexandria Rose”, my name tasted strange on my tongue.  “Malcolm Rose” my brother stated. The rest of my family went and introduced their real names one by one. “It’s so weird to be using our real names again.” My grandmother said excitedly, “it’s been so long hearing it outside closed doors”. She gave my grandfather a wink and I pretended to wretch. Missing my mother even more as I had no one to pretend to be disgusted with.  “It’s so weird finally learning my family's real names and learning that I grew up with a lie.” I said. “This is going to take some getting used to.”  “Well some of us liked to keep the names semi similar so nicknames could be used consistently, but it made it easier over all to just use the new name especially around the children to prevent slip ups.” Uncle Francis explained.  “I still don’t know why you changed my name to Stephanie.” Steph stuck out her tongue.  “It’s what we always intended to name you” Lydia answered, “besides to stick with Bea we would have to name you Beatrice would you have preferred that?”  Steph pretended to wretch on the carpet, “Oh no Stephanie is much better than that old name!” “Alright now that we are all comfortable with our identities” My grandfather said with a wink, “Let’s get onto enrolling the kids in school. It’s probably best to carpool by grade at this point. Francis you and I will enroll Alexandria and Emily at the high school. Then we can enroll Malcolm and Stephanie in Middle School. Lydia, Crystal, and Brittney can split up the rest to get them enrolled in grade school. Damien and Bradley I want you on the first patrol on our boundaries, re-mark our territory where needed. Tabby, Diana and Clara please tidy up the Ranch, it will be a while before we can move into separate houses again so we need all rooms up and running. Any questions?” With no resistance he led me towards the SUV we had parked outside.  Uncle Francis took shotgun while Em and I sat in the middle row, leaving Steph and Malcolm to the back row. The drive from our property to the school administration building was long, and with each mile closer I became more anxious of the role I was given.  “Hello Mr. Brown, I’m Archer Rose and these are my grandchildren Alexandria and Malcolm. I called to make a meeting with you this morning.” My grandfather said, shaking the hand of the administrator.  “Ah yes, Mr. Rose. Alexandria is going into which grade? I received a lot of calls this morning requesting enrollment.” Mr. Brown said, taking a seat at his desk.  “Yeah, we recently moved back due to family issues. Alex is going into 11th grade and Malcolm is starting 6th. I did bring their paperwork.” My grandfather said placing our files on the desk in front of Mr. Brown.  “Alright this will be very helpful.” He said skimming my file, “And you are the legal guardian for these children?”  “Yes, my daughter recently passed as did Alex’s father when she was a babe, we never found out who Malcolm’s dad was” My grandfather hung his head solemnly, “So my wife Tabitha and I are their legal guardians set by my daughters will which is with her death record in the third file”. I had no idea how the death records of my mother had been forged so soon as I still wasn’t a hundred percent sure she had passed, but Mr. Brown could be seen nodding his head as he entered the data into the computer.  “Miss Rose, here is a sheet for you to choose your elective courses, it says here you also qualify for advanced english and history placement if you so wish.” Mr. Brown said, passing me the paper. I took my time reading through the elective choices, knowing I would take art and some form of shop as I loved creating and working with my hands.  “Could I take both advanced placement classes? US History and Literature?” I asked, lifting my eyes from the electives.  “Yes of course, the limit is four AP classes, and your electives?” He said typing and clicking away at the computer as he made my schedule.  “Painting and metal shop please.” I said passing the sheet to Em.  “Excellent, excellent; well now that you are all set before I exit the high school database are either of these young ladies going into high school or are they both middle schoolers?” “My daughter Emily Rose will be going into 9th Mr. Brown. I am Francis Rose, Archer’s son.” Uncle Francis clarified.  “Alright, Emily it appears as you too qualify for advanced english and mathematics. Have you decided on electives?” Mr. Brown asked as he looked over her file and typed away. “Is this address correct? It’s the sa-”  “Yes, we are a close family and own a rather large ranch off 61 that we all live in. It originally served as our hunting camp, but with recent family issues and the relocation we are all currently staying there until we get established.” My uncle interrupted.  “By ‘all’ how many people are staying in this ranch?” Mr. Brown asked, raising an eyebrow at my grandfather.  “Well we have three major wings: one for my wife and I, our offspring and grandchildren. One for her middle brother, his wife, their offspring and grandchildren, and the final wing for my wife’s youngest brother, his wife, their daughter, and their grandchildren. There are twenty four of us in total, and only the grandchildren share rooms. As my son said it was used primarily for deer camp and family vacations where we would all be up for holidays and such.” My grandfather answered, “Hopefully once everyone gets settled with their own jobs they’ll be buying homes for themselves around the community, but it’s just not a possibility yet, so the ranch will do.”  “So the twelve children I received admission requests for all reside there?” Mr. Brown asked incredulously.  “Yes, as my son said it is rather large.” My grandfather answered again. “If you are concerned for the living conditions you are more than welcome to come out for the grand tour.”  “If you wouldn’t mind I would like a tour.” Mr. Brown said.  “Excellent well after we get these kiddos all signed up you are more than welcome to follow us back out.” my grandfather said, “Now how about those electives Emily my dear?”  Em blushed slightly, “I would like to take advanced math, composition, and history if I could. Along with theater and band. I-I play the clarinet and piano”. She hastily handed the sheet back to Mr. Brown.  “Excellent. Alright onto Mr. Malcolm, what grade are you going into my boy?”  “Sixth.” Malcolm answered, “and I would like to take art and ceramics as my electives.”  “Alright.” Mr. Brown said as he typed away occasionally glancing at the paperwork for verification.  “Alright that leaves you then Stephanie, grade?”  “Eighth.” She said pausing as he consulted the paperwork.  “Ah yes you skipped sixth correct?”  Stephanie nodded, “I would like to take any advanced classes I qualify for, and I choose Band and art as my electives.”  “Alright, we don’t offer any advanced classes in the middle school level but if you continue going at this rate next year you should qualify, like your sister and cousin.” Stephanie nodded, “Well, that’s everything on my end.” he said as he clicked through documents and the printer started humming. “Mr. Archer and Mr. Francis, these are the documents for you to review and sign stating that everything is correct and was gone over in these meetings. Alexandria, Emily, Stephanie, and Malcolm here are temporary copies of your schedules. As the classes get adjusted the final copy will be mailed to you the week before classes begin along with a list of school supplies you will need.” We sat in awkward silence as my grandfather and uncle reviewed the documentation and Mr. Brown made copies of our vaccination information to file away. When we were done and settled, Mr. Brown asked, “Are there any more middle or high schoolers to register?”  “No” my grandfather answered, “the rest of them are over at the elementary school office.”  “Alright. Well then I will take my lunch and follow you out to this ranch.” Mr. Brown said standing, “That is if the offer is still on the table.”  “Of course it is” my grandfather said. “Just follow us, it’s a little off the road.”  As we climbed into the vehicle and began the drive back I finally worked up the courage to ask, “Why are we bringing him out to the ranch Papaw?”  “Because humans don’t live as we do, well in some other cultures they live with extended family, but not often in America especially not the midwest. It’s either be open and honest and let him see for himself or he would call CPS and have us investigated for possible poor living conditions with so many people living in one house.”  “That makes sense” I chewed on my bottom lip debating my next question, but as alpha he knew and answered anyways. “The death records for your mother have been made each year, same with the will. All of the parents of little ones have records prepared just in case. As in case any of us are killed the pack would have to relocate too fast to receive the real ones. To keep you guys safe and the process moving along it’s something your great-grandparents started.” I could only nod. “We’ll have a ceremony tonight to celebrate her life, and hopefully reunite her soul with her lost wolf in the after realm.” We drove in silence from then on. Only making a left onto the small two track trail that led onto our property and up to the ranch. Our four wheel drive SUV handled the trail well, but the superintendent's little prius could be seen bobbing up and down as he swayed in his seat at each rut. We got out of the vehicle to the smell of a warm lunch made, and the sounds of laughing children. I didn’t hesitate as I went through the front door and found the ranch spic and span all the dust and cobwebs from earlier just a memory as the faint smell of lemon cleaner clung to everything.  Indeed my grandmother had made a large lunch of spaghetti, lasagna, and garlic bread with a salad for everyone when they returned which could be smelled through the house. A gasp shook me from my thoughts as Mr. Brown stood turning in amazement at our large living room. It was the second room in the house the first was the entranceway with the mud room where we kept rows of shelves containing baskets of hats, scarves, and gloves. Below that was a row of coat hangers with names artfully engraved over them, and on the bottom of the wall was rows of shoe racks holding tennis shoes and boots for everyone in the family. On the opposite wall ran a long mirror. Straight ahead was the carved oak door displaying a forest scene of wolves running through the snow that was now open to the grand sitting room. On the far wall was the center hearth of the house a large stone fireplace with plush sofas and chairs around it. Along the left wall were window seats for lounging and reading in the sunlight or sprawling out in wolf form for a nice nap. Chandeliers made of antlers and hides from the deer we’ve hunted over the generations hung from the ceiling reflecting off the grain of the hardwood floors. One staircase went straight back into the house that led to my families wing, to the left and right were two more matching staircases leading to Damien and Bradley’s family wings respectively. All three staircases were made of oak with solid branches making up the railings, and plush carpet leading you deeper into the home. Straight through the hallway past our families staircase led to the kitchen and this is where my grandfather led the tour.  The hardwood floor turned into the same large dark gray stones that marked the fireplace as we walked into the warm kitchen. Large windows were above the sink, and there was a sliding glass door with light brown curtains. To the right were the standing pantry cupboards that stretched from floor to ceiling flanking the double oven in the wall. To the left of the entry were the two refrigerators with double doors and pull out freezers. “This is the kitchen” My grandfather explained gesturing around the room to the plenty of counter space where multiple family members can work on a meal together and the large kitchen island for additional storage and workspace which currently is where today's lunch sat cooling down, “There is another chest freezer out in the garage for what those units won’t fit” He said gesturing to the fridges. We followed the stones as they gave way to the hardwood floor again where there were two extra large oak dining tables. “Here is the dining room. The taller table is for the adults, and the shorter one is for the children.”  Mr. Brown was staring intently at the large ornate rug below the tables and the antlered chandeliers, then to each buffalo plaid placemat with each person's name lovingly embroidered in the corners marking who sits where. The table was fully set with our mock silverware and crystal glasses, bottles of red wine spread around for the adults, clear plastic cups sat at the children’s table with sparkling grape juice.  “The grape juice lets the kiddos feel not so left out at their table.” My grandmother said standing next to my grandfather. The younger children were standing against the wall after helping set up the table. Their parents going through the line inspecting their hands making sure they washed appropriately for supper. Mr. Brown turned towards my grandmother. “Tabitha Rose, pleasure to meet you.” my grandmother said extending her hand, “You must be the superintendent my husband called informing me you’d be coming along, we can make an extra seat for you if you’d like.”  “I’m Mr. Brown” he said, shaking her hand, “I didn’t realize I’d be interrupting lunch.” His stomach rumbled as my family took their seats around the tables the little ones released but not sitting until my grandfather did. There was indeed an empty place at the adult table, my mother's placemat replaced with one that bore no name. “But if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I could do with a bite.”  “Alright well have a seat on the other side of Francis, we will be bringing out the food shortly.” My grandmother smiled. Mr. Brown edged his way over to stand next to my uncle but did not sit as everyone else was still standing. As my grandmother moved to her place besides my grandfather my great aunts Clara and Diana entered from the kitchen with their daughters Brittney and Crystal, joined by aunt Lydia bringing the food.  “Not to be a burden but is there any other option for beverages other than wine? I do regretfully have to return to work after this.” Mr. Brown said, clearing his throat.  “Would you like water or milk Mr. Brown?” I asked, moving to take his glass.  “Milk would be fine Alexandria.” He said as I scurried to the kitchen. Lydia brought out the salads, Crystal the garlic bread on two plates, Brittney two platters of lasagna, Diana two platters of spaghetti, and Clara the salad dressings and croutons. I placed the glass of milk in front of Mr. Brown and stood at the head of the children’s table until my grandfather sat and we all took our seats. We bowed our heads, and Mr. Brown followed suit.  “We thank Artemis, goddess of the hunt for the fine deer who gave up their life as a sacrifice to make our food this evening, we thank the farmers who provided the produce and spices of our meal. We mourn those who are unable to be with us and pray they may watch over us in the after realm, and most of all we thank the universe we are all here together safe to enjoy another meal. May we have many more.” My grandfather led the prayer.  “May we have many more.” my family echoed. If Mr. Brown thought our prayers to Artemis were strange he didn’t say anything. He also looked around and waited as the other adults filled their wine glasses waiting for my grandfather to take the first bite. The younger kids did the same with me, once my grandfather dug in I did as well and the rest of the family followed. It felt strange having Mr. Brown there for such an intimate family moment, as I knew he had to be studying and judging our every move. But he seemed more interested in the fine detail of the table and pictures of wolves lining the walls. Little did he know it was portraits of our family throughout the ages.  “You guys seem to really like wolves.” Mr. Brown finally said, “I mean with it being a hunting cabin the outdoors decor is beautiful and fitting, but I feel I must warn you wolves and coyotes have been sighted in these parts. I’d recommend keeping an eye on the little ones.”  “Oh we do, they always have at least one or two people watching them as they play outside. We’ve been hunting this property for generations slowly building onto the ranch as we do so. We know all about the wildlife and dangers out here.” Uncle Bradley said with a wolfish grin, “The Goddess Artemis was known to favor wolves as one of her favorite beasts, they also have strong links to Native American lore as protectors or guardians of the afterworld, and as an apex predator we feel their images represented in our home aid in our luck each hunting season.”  Mr. Brown simply nodded biting into his lasagna, “Makes sense, especially since you are not farmers, normally they are the ones with the most to lose from them, but most hunters consider them competitors for the hunting around here.”  “Well the way we see it Mr. Brown all of Earth’s critters deserve to eat.” Uncle Damien said. “Even the ones who like the same food we do.” He added with a wink.  After dinner my grandfather and I continued giving Mr. Brown the tour as the children and other adults cleaned up dinner. As always there were no leftovers.  We went around the hall from the dining room back into the main living quarters and up the left stairs to Uncle Bradley’s family wing, Uncle Bradley casually joined us on the ascent. At the top of the stairs was a smaller living space with another smaller fireplace and cozy chairs where they could gather as an immediate family without joining the rest of the pack. Up a small step led to the master bedroom Bradley shares with his wife, and their master bath with a soaking tub, standing shower and double vanity. “This room is my daughter Crystal’s” Uncle bradley said as we entered Crystal’s room with her walk in closet, queen size bed, dresser, and attached bath with a regular shower/tub combo and single vanity. “Next is for the granddaughters.” He added as they crossed the living area to the last bedroom. This room had two solid wood bunk beds, a walk in closet divided between the four girls with names carved into their dressers under their clothes racks. The main room had four wooden toy chests with each girls names carved into them, and their bedspreads were custom with their favorite colors. They had plenty of floor room to play and a window that provided plenty of natural light and a view of the woods. They had their half bath with a double vanity. Mr. Brown just stared in amazement.  “Wow for a vacation-hunting home this is quite decadent. And very personalized, I love all the detail work of the mouldings and the room for privacy, and that everyone has their own space to get ready.” Mr. Brown said as we traveled back down the stairs and to the stairs leading to our wing. Bradley left to join the others with washing the dishes, as the children wiped down the tables and chairs. Our living area was a mirror image of each wing, the master sweet was larger as my grandparents are the alphas. We avoided the room to the right of my grandparents as the door remained closed with my mother’s name still hanging on it. Instead we entered the room on the other side of it. “This is the girls room.” My grandfather said motioning to the three twin sized beds under the window. To the left is their closet divided for their convenience, and the right is their bath identical to the ones you saw across the way.” Mr. Brown still made his way into my closet and bathroom to investigate, causing me to bristle at the invasion of my personal space. We exited our room and crossed the way to Francis and Lydia’s room next to my grandparents. It was identical to Crystal’s but more space was taken up by Francis and Lydia’s belongings. The room to the left of theirs was where Malcolm and EJ slept with two twin size mattresses, and identical to mine.  “How many bathrooms are in this house?” Mr. Brown asked incredulously.  “We have multiple wells” my grandfather laughed, “One well provides the water to the laundry, main bath, and kitchen, then each suite has a well. There is the main bathroom on the other side of the kitchen next to the laundry room, and then each bedroom has its own bathroom.”  “I would hate to have that duty in this house.” Mr. Brown said. “Thirteen bathrooms.”  “Well when you have twenty four people you find that they are needed.” Uncle Damien said as we began the ascent into his family wing revealing another small living room leading off into four bedrooms. “Plus the kids are responsible for cleaning theirs, we all work together in this family, easing the burden”. His and Diane’s room is in the center, their son Drew to the left of them and their daughter Britney and her husband's room to the right. To the right of Adam and Brittney’s room was the room their children stayed in. Once again only three twin size mattresses rested beneath the window identical to my room, except it also had toy boxes just like in Crystal’s children’s room. We descended the staircase and continued down the hall to the right where we were greeted by four doors. The far right led into the kitchen, the one next to that the pantry, next to that was the laundry room and on the far left closest to us was the bathroom. After seeing every room and how clean the house was, seeing how everyone especially the children were clean, well fed, and well dressed. Mr. Brown was escorted back to the main entry.  “Does this house have a basement?” He asked.  “Yes” My grandfather said, beginning the trek back into the house, “I only forgot because we aren’t down there much.” He turned down the hall past Bradley’s suite stairs and past the door into the dining room was another door that led into the basement. My grandfather led Mr. Brown down there as I went to one of the floor to ceiling bookshelves selecting a book before curling into a window seat to read. It’s not that the basement frightened me, it was just dark and unfinished and smelled funny, plus there was nothing but holiday decorations and seasonal clothing tucked away down there. Nothing personal to my pack worth defending. A few pages into my book I heard their footsteps coming up the stairs as they came out of the basement.  “Well Mr. Rose this is quite the impressive ranch you have here. How many acres is it sitting on?”  “Oh we own 160 acres, but it backs up to a good chunk of state land.” my grandpa said. “I understand now why you all are fine living here together. I’d be more surprised if everyone moved out.” Mr. Brown said.  “We are a very close family Mr. Brown”, I said closing my book, “But living together like this, even in a place as large as this you’re bound to step on someone’s toes eventually. It’ll do for now, but I’d wager within the year it will just be my sibling, grandparents, and I calling this our permanent residence. The others will stay during the opener of rifle season, and Christmas, and we’ll have weekly dinners, but they’re still adults who want their own house.”  “Well we look forward to having you all start class in the fall nevertheless.” Mr. Brown said, “But I really should be getting back to the office now. Thank you for the tour of your lovely home.” He added with a curt nod of the head as he exited into the mud room to put on his shoes and leave. We all stayed alert listening as the front door closed, his car door opened and closed, and the Prius putted down the drive.  We exhaled a group sigh of relief. “See Alex? I told you it would be simple. Just show him around, and that we aren’t living in a cramped dirty situation. So now we don’t have to worry about anyone poking their noses where it doesn’t belong as we settle in.” Papaw explained.  “Your plan worked brilliantly Papaw.” I smiled with pride.  “Alright everyone gather at the hearth.” Papaw used his commanding alpha voice with a sharp whistle. From every direction the children and adults came into the room taking up different spots in the chairs and sofas as my grandfather stood in front of the fireplace. “Everyone, you did an  amazing job making the superintendent feel welcome. Now let’s debrief on how our daily chores went. Ladies” he said motioning to my grandmother and aunts “the house looks magnificent and lunch was delicious. Brad, Damien how is the perimeter?”  “It was as we expected about an acre in on the eastern side where our territory nears the Winter pack’s territory I scented some crossover, but they didn’t mark. Probably just overstepped the boundaries while hunting prey.” Damien answered with a shrug.  “Not to worry!” Brad interrupted, “We made sure to remark on the perimeter. So they will be well aware we are home.”  “Good. Now Em, take the children and run through the exercises.” Papaw commanded.  “Yes Papaw. Come on pups let's go play in the yard.” Em said with a sharp whistle as she held the front door open as the ten younger children ran out. Our eyes met and she thought Good luck to me.  “Lydia and Adam you have the next perimeter round.” Papaw commanded. “Yes Alpha.” They nodded in unison as they followed the pups out. They gave sharp howls as they shifted and began their trek around the property.  “Diana, Clara, and Tabby start working on the shift schedule for perimeter control. Francis I want you to work on updating everyone’s resume and start the job board. Brittany, Drew, and Crystal take inventory of what we need as far as food, clothing, and cleaning supplies. Damien, Brad, and Alex stay here. We have a proposal to pose at the next town hall.”  “Go ahead without me ladies,” my grandma said ushering Clara and Diana out as everyone broke off to follow Papaw’s orders.  “Tabby cat….” Papaw growled lowly.  “Oh don’t you Tabby cat me as you try and decide our granddaughters fate while shoving me off to do perimeter scheduling you jackass! If you’re going to sell her off against my wishes at least have the decency to include me in the process.” She placed a hand territorially on my shoulder.  “Mimi, it’s fine. Really, I want to do this.” I said placing my hand over hers.  “Alex honey I know you want to make your Papaw proud but you don’t have to agree to an arranged marriage to do so.”  “Tabitha Alex knows that I am proud of her, and love her very much and she doesn’t need to do this to earn my pride. She’s my heir.” Papaw said defensively.  “Stop fighting over me. I love you both. Let me do my duty as alpha and serve my pack. Let’s plan this proposal.” I stated firmly with my voice raised a little more than I intended.  “Well the Winter pack has the town hall reserved this Saturday, the only people who have RSVP’d have the last name Winter or Ebony. Think it’s safe to assume it’s a wolf council meeting?” Damien asked. “Sounds like it. Email the Winter Alpha requesting an invite for our pack.” Papaw commanded.  “Already done. Damn. That was fast.”  “What?” my grandmother demanded.  “The invite has already been sent. How many am I including in the RSVP?” Damien asked.  “Does it say an age limit anywhere?” Papaw asked. “Nope.”  “RSVP for all 24. We want to show our current fighting numbers, but also our future numbers. We want to entice the Winter pack with lots of pups to merge into the new pack with the union.” Papaw answered.  “Interesting power move. Advertising the Pack’s fertility.” Grandma snarled.  “Oh come on now Tabby! It’s not like she’s still a pup. She’s had several heat cycles.” Brad commented. My face flushed, living in a pack of so many we all pick up on each other’s hormonal changes, but we normally have basic decency not to mention it.  “Alright so we are RSVP’d for the meeting Saturday, how do we propose our well- I guess our proposal?” I ask, eager to change the topic to anything that is not my annual period of fertility.   “Well it has been a while, they may assume we came up for the Holidays so we have to establish we are here permanently. But we can’t reveal that we were compromised downriver. We have to come up with a good reason to have relocated.” Papaw began pacing as the gears turned in his head.  “How about for the fresh air? The city was too crowded, and suffocating for our animal natures?” I suggested. “Good. Good. We can definitely go off of that.” Papaw said. “And when they ask about Les?” Grandma huffed.  “Then we say that she died in a car crash. Like the death record says.” Papaw answered coldly. “Then when they ask for any closing statements we submit our proposal.”  “Don’t you mean offer up our granddaughter?”  “For Artemis’s sake Tabitha if you’re not going to accept these decisions then go help coordinate schedules. You heard Alex. She wants to secure our place here, she wants to accept responsibility and form her own pack. She’s only sixteen they would not be getting married until they came of age, so they would have two years to court and get to know each other which is a hell of a lot more than we got.”  “And what about the other female?” I asked. “How are we going to submit the proposal, without challenging the Ebony pack?” “Oh we are going to outright challenge them my dear. The challenge will last six months where both females will train and in the end have a fight.” my grandma explained, “Winner gets to claim the male.”  “So he gets no choice whatsoever?” I asked.  “That is the life of an alpha.” My grandmother answered bitterly. “A lot of times the pairings end well, it’s very rare they don’t.”  “But what about natural mates? What happens if an Alpha is already paired and encounters their mate later on in life?”  Brad laughed, “Natural mates are very rare, if they are even real. Especially in today’s day and age with travel so easy. The chance that your wolf will find the spirit of the wolf it mated with in its original lifespan is slim to none. But if it does happen and you are already in a pair, wolves mate for life. There’s no breaking a pair. Mate or no.”  “It’s a risk you have to be willing to take.” My grandmother said, “If you agree to this and marry the young Winter Alpha then encounter your natural mate later on you will have to reject him. There’s a chance your wolf may not recover.”  “I understand. It’s a chance I’m willing to take.”  “Alright so it’s settled. Your grandfather will propose the challenge at the end of the meeting on Saturday.” She looked at me with sadness in her eyes.  “What if the Ebony pack doesn’t accept the challenge?” I asked.  “Then they automatically forfeit and have to leave.” Damien answered.  “So if I lose the fight in six months…”  “If you lose we will have to relocate somewhere else. But don’t worry I believe in you.” My grandpa said, patting my cheek. The doors opened as Lydia and Adam returned.  “The property is secure. We used a grid formation Adam running horizontally and me running vertically. There is an abandoned bear cave on the back forty we should keep an eye on, make sure it doesn’t try returning to hibernate there in the fall.” Lydia said.  “Mind if I take a run then?” I asked Papaw.  “Yeah, stick to the property though and check in once in a while.” He said ruffling my hair, “Be safe. Or next time you won’t be allowed to go on your own.”  “Sounds good Old Man.” I said giving him a hug.