She broke the rules.

Chapter 13 Dinner with the council

Bessa

Beast and Max meet the council at the door. Mac stands with me. My pack is standing behind me. Alpha Teagan and Angel on my other side.

"Alpha Bessa and Alpha Teagan may I present to you the council." Max says as he opens the door for them.

We originally planned for the council to sit nearest the head of the table. But Alley had other plans and the council obliged the pack.

The kids talk with the council members as if they are just another person. Some kids seem a little more reserved, knowing that these people can change their lives, for better or worse.

After dinner the council leaves for their rooms. We do our nightly ritual which has taken its own turns. Once we get the sharing done we pick a movie to watch together. It is good for us that Teagan has Netflix. When the movie is over everyone heads for their beds. The little ones get carried to bed, they are out already.

Once that is done the guys and I cuddle up and watch a second movie. We pull the coffee table close. Angel puts his legs on Teagan's lap. Beast puts his arm across Mouse's back to play with my hair. Mouse holds one hand and Teagan the other. My head goes to Teagan's shoulder. Who kisses the top of my head. We stay like that until the movie is over.

I get lifted by someone and the scent tells me it is Beast. I wrap my arms around him tightly, not letting go. He ends up stretching out on the bed with me in his arms.

"I wish I could stay but I don't think I could keep Lobar in check...or that I want to. We have to be good for another week kitten. It is hard." He kisses me softly and pries my arms away. I get left alone tonight and I count the days.

I let the kids sleep in the next day knowing they are going to need the energy to deal with things.

Bessa

I go to our kitchen to start on breakfast. M&M are already up and working on things. We work in morbid silence. It is almost like the old days. We dance around the kitchen making our own contributions.

We are so into it that I don't hear the guys come in. They sit at the bar opposite us. I about drop the hot dish that I made. Max stops it in time. Putting it on the countertop. Mac comes in with the plates and I return with the silverware. We do this with each of our things as they come off the stove or out of the oven. Platters and serving bowls of egg, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fried fruits like bananas and apples, toast and butter.

By the time we are done the countertop has no space not covered. The guys are gobsmacked by the amount we did in such little time. The kids are there and so is the council. Everyone makes their plates as they come in, taking them to the table.

"Did you guys just seriously make all this food without talking? Did you use mind link?"

"Yes to the first, no to the second. We only recently had mind link. About a week longer than we have been here." I state. Mac nods

"If you think this is impressive then you should have seen the amount of stuff we did before." Max confirms.

"After looking over Doc's notes i think we have a lot covered. We would still like to discuss some of the things your pack has endured. I won't ask the younger ones to rehash what happened." The one that seems to be the spokesman of the council.

"Sorry councilman,what age is considered young for you? I hate to admit it but even Alley cat wasn't left out when it came to chores. She had her fair share in that dungeon. However, I would agree in excusing the under five kids."

"Alley cat?" He asks, flipping through the files.

"Alyssa Cathryn, age three." I explain and Alley freezes while sitting on Beast's leg eating her breakfast. .

"Three and half." The fiery redhead rebuts. Everyone chuckles at her.

"Ok, Doc seemes to get good records. So we shouldn't need their statements. However the more the better."

"Agreed"

About that time Teagan goes blank. One of his men probably just linked with him.which is confirmed a moment later.

"Ladies and Gentlemen i believe we have visitors again from the pack in question. They are being taken to my office as we speak. Council members would you care to join us? I think now would be the perfect time to let them know that the ruse is up. Maybe we can also get questions answered about the bounty?"Teagan suggests.

"What?" is all the council spokesman asks.

I raise a brow at Teagan.

"We did plan for the council to use the dining room on your floor for your pleasure if you would like more space. I can have them brought up there instead." He corrects the plan.

"Yes that would be better." The council agrees.

"Max and Mac you are with us." I say.

"Yes Alpha." Is the answer in that twin way they have.

M&M and and I lead the council to their temporary chamber, aka the dining room. While Teagan and his team go to collect their 'guest'.

Stacy met us there and I let her know to make refreshments for the council and guests. We place water and a few glasses on the table. Five chairs on one side and two on the other. After getting a head count from Beast.

Mac and I make ourselves scarce. Max covers the door like him and Beast did yesterday. Just as the guys show with their 'guest'. I would love to be a fly on that wall.

Teagan

I walk into my office with my brother in tow to find the guy the called me a liar and another guy that seems to through off a hint of alpha. His aura is not as strong as mine; but there.

"Ahh, just in time. I was hoping you would stop by. We have a few friends in the house we would like you to meet. If you will follow me." I lead the way to the third floor. Angel is covering my back as Beast and a few of the guard take the rear of the entourage. The pack has cleared the way upon my request.

When we arrive at the doors I nod to Max at the door. Who gives a brief pause of panic. Then opens the door and announces us to the council.

"Alpha Teagan of the Orian pack, and Alpha John of the Aurora falls pack. Along with their Betas." He steps out of the way for us to pass.

Beast steps beside Max and puts a hand on his shoulder causing the boy's knees to buckle for a second.

The Alphas enter and take a seat across from the council members. The Betas flanking them.

Beast

The man that Max called Alpha John keeps looking back at Max. Who is still under my hand at my side. His arms folded across his chest, legs shoulder with apart.

I smile a little because it is the very stance I take during training. We stay at the door. Watching the council. If I had to guess, Max is wanting the council to see the reaction of Alpha John. It is what I Would do. His beta keeps looking too.

One of the council members does see it and nods at us.

"Gamma Max would you please retrieve your Alpha and Beta. Oh and grab a chair as well for them. Betas it is probably best if you grab chairs for yourself." The same council member says.

"Yes, Sir." We say in unison. Max heads to the kitchen and I place chairs for them and one for myself. Passing one to Angel. We flank Teagan with me closest to Bessa.

"Alpha Bessa of the Orphan pack and Beta Mackenzie of the Orphan pack." Max comes in first. I nod to him, and he pulls out the chair for Bessa and then his sister. Then flanks on my side. At the same time that happens.

I just hide my smile.

"What is the meaning of this?" Alpha John stands up and shouts. Teagan, Angel, M&M and I all stand. Blocking anyone from Bessa. The scary thing is it wasn't planned and we moved as one. It was beautiful.

"Sit down and we will discuss this matter."

"Kids cannot govern themselves. This is blasphemy. These men said they had no knowledge of the kids. We even gave them pictures of who we were looking for."

"Sit down and we will continue. However we cannot if you continue to disrespect the council. What will you decide?"

They sit, so we sit.

"Now are you saying that these children are the ones you are looking for?" Councilman asks

"Yes, they ran away about two weeks ago during my son's ceremony."

"Well then I guess you have bigger problems. But we will get to the other issues in a moment.

Councilman I believe you are familiar with the files before you. I would like to know why there is a bounty on Alpha Bessa and her pack?"

"We just did that as incentives to assist in finding them." Alpha John scoffs

" Why are the children not in permanent homes?" Councilman asks

"They have all been hard to place."

"Alpha Bessa, would you mind placing your hands on the table as an exhibit." The council woman asks this time. Bessa keeps her eyes on the council and places her hands palms down. Showing the hash marks of scars.

"She did this to herself. It is why she was hard to place." He tries to defend himself before the question is asked.

"And these marks?" The council woman asks. Showing the pictures Doc took. She is clumsy too. "And these?" She shows the stack of photos that Doc took.

"She hurt them. They hurt themselves."

"Alpha Teagan, would you summon your doctor. Who I believe took the photos."

"It has been done, councilwoman." She sits back.

"Alpha Teagan, where did you find the children and in what state of care?"

"One of the cabins on the outskirts of our borders. I first met Alpha Bessa just after she started working at a local store. They had the equivalent of rags and that was what they called their best clothing."

About this time Doc walks in with Alley on his hip.

"Please excuse the child. She was concerned for her Alpha."

"Quite alright. Alyssa, would you come here please." The council spokesman asks. Alley skips over to them. One of the other councilmen gives his seat to her. She stands on it so she can see everyone. "Alyssa can we call you Alley?"

"Told you, you guys can." Hands on hips as if to say duh.

"Alley we would like to ask you a few questions. Ok?"

Alley nods yes.

"Alley we are recording this so we need you to answer like a big person. I need you to say it out loud. ok?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Thank you. Now, do you know what a lie is?"

"Yes ma'am. Bessa, I mean Alpha Bessa says we don't do that. We only tell the truth. Bad things happen to people who lie."

"Good girl. Now do you know the people over there?" Spokesman points to our side of the table.

Wouldn't you know it. She starts at one end and goes to the other.

"Alpha John, Beta Frank, Angel, Alpha Teagan, Gamma Beast, Max. oops. Gamma Max. Alpha Bessa but she is also a Luna. And Beta Mac." She smiles and gives a little happy dance.

"That is right. Now which of these pictures are yours?" Spokesman spread them out on the table.

After a few minutes of messing with them.

"There." She says confidently.

Doc looks over my shoulder. Thinks for a minute, and starts nodding.

"She not only found hers but grouped all of the pictures according to the person. She has never even seen these pictures before."

"Just one more Alley. How did these happen to you?"

"I didn't mean to cry so loud. They hurt Bessa and the twins. They said if we mess up the next one will be worse. So I yelled No and I was crying. So they hit me too. It hurt really really bad." The tears start running down her tiny cheeks. She then climbs on the table and takes a running leap at me.

I catch her mid flight and she buries her face in my neck. I look over at Bessa and see the tears on her too. I kiss Bessa's head before walking out with Alley.

Doc takes my chair.

Teagan

I stay silent while they question Alley and confer over the pictures. I wish I could go with Beast and Alley. I settle for taking Bessa's hand.

"Doc, the question I have for you is: do you think these injuries are self-inflicted?"

"Excuse the language but hell no. These injuries show signs of wolfsbane and silver. I don't know what adult wolf would do this, let alone kids with no wolf.

From what I have also been told from the kids was that they almost killed Alpha Bessa because their alpha voice did not work on her and she was five when that happened.

When these photos were taken Alpha Bessa was passed out from an anxiety attack from a door being locked."

I could feel Alpha John getting more and more pissed.

"This is outrageous. She is not Alpha. Those kids lie and the kids need to be returned to their pack."

"We will.." Max starts

"I got this. I am Alpha with Goddesses blessing and the blessing of my pack. We will not return to your pack AND you WILL not speak for my pack. We have chosen to accept Alpha Teagan's help as both one of my mates AND as another Alpha who respects everyone. Do I make myself clear?"

Kainda has taken charge. How do i know it might have something to do with Bessa's eyes glowing. The way Alpha John is dropped to his knees so hard i think he may have cracked a bone. The sight way the council members tilt of their heads. And sent chills down my spine. Glad it wasn't at me.

"So it is said so shall it be." The council raps the gavel on the table. "Let the council know when the ceremony will be. You guys may go, Alpha Teagan and Alpha Bessa. Alpha John has a few matters to discuss. Please send in a couple of you security guys if you will Alpha Teagan."

"Yes ma'am and the ceremony will be next weekend after Bessa turns 18." I give a slight bow and exit behind the others.