Raised By The Wolves

Chapter One

***Hera's POV***

Calli and I sent Juan and Bethany to scout the pack. The plan is for Juan, Bethany and Jeremiah to cause a disturbance which will not only bring forward the patrols but it'll bring the Alpha out of his hole. Or maybe just enlist the guards for help. They aren't in any shape to fight.

Jeremiah, Calli and I are waiting for Juan and Bethany to return and I can't help but think that if we end up having to lead.

According to werewolf law, if you challenge an Alpha and win, you not only decide his fate and his sentence if he commits crimes but you also take over his pack and people. But you also have to put out another challenge for anyone within the pack to challenge you for the title also.

I don't think that will happen honestly because then they would've taken over the pack already against a cruel Alpha. I wonder if this Alpha has a Beta or Gamma? Are they loyal to him? Will my group have to fight other wolves because of our arrival?

I am hoping that we can talk to the patrols and explain we only want to help. We can go in and tell the Alpha to leave his pack and let someone else take it over or I will have to issue a challenge for his title. I'm almost positive I'll have to fight him for his title.

That's why my team isn't worried about me fighting and that's why they didn't object to me fighting the Alpha if it came down to it. They know I can beat him. There's quite a few people I have had to fight over the years. And I've never lost.

I have trained so much growing up. And not just in basic defense. I have had a good vampire pass through once and stayed for a few months teaching me how to fight vampires and other werewolves the way he knew how. Andreas ( pronounced On Drey Us) , was the coolest vampire and one of the only non violent ones I have ever met. He taught me about speed and precision. How to know my target's next move and catch them off guard. And to use my brain as well as my strength.

Calli met him but didn't want to train with him and said I could just teach her when he left. Which I did. Like I said I would never force her or anyone to do things they weren't comfortable with.

Jeremiah was here then too and Andreas did not want to teach him. He wouldn't tell me why but again not going to force anyone. All he asked for was protection from sunlight while he stayed.

We came across an older werebear once too. Damion. Werebears steer clear of most supernaturals and prefer to live alone. He was here for hibernation and asked for our help to look for a cave. I told him we would help him. Without expecting anything in return.

When he woke up from his slumber he came back and taught us how to fight werebears and vampires in a different way. He really only showed me how to use my weight to my advantage especially since I didn't have much of it. He showed me the importance of packing a punch in the correct places, while not missing a beat. He taught me how to not use a lot of stamina for power hits. And how to use my strength without leaving any openings for counter attacks.

Calli trained with us too. Damion was just like the vampire though he didn't want to train Jeremiah either. So we didn't force it. I thought it was strange but he just said that he doesn't particularly care for males. So that was good enough for me. I know how territorial male supernaturals are. And basically, any lone werebear is an Alpha. So it made sense.

But even all the times we have had to fight no one has been able to beat me.

When we met Bethany she was being chased by 5 male pack members from her own pack. Trying to take her against her will. She had already fought off two when we showed up but she was tired so she must've been running and fighting for a while.

I took out two by myself while Jer grabbed the other one. And Calli made sure the ones Bethany handled were no longer a threat. Since then, Bethany broke her ties with her pack. Knowing they would blame her for her own attack and try to imprison her for defending herself against the males.

She knew. Really we all did. And we all pledged that any injustice we come across we would handle it accordingly. Even though we weren't a pack we liked to act like one except without the ranks. We were equal humans, no matter our auras. Character and morals are how we decide things, honestly.

I am pulled from my thoughts when I hear someone walk up.

Juan and Bethany just got back from scouting.

"So what did you guys see or find out?" I am ready to figure this out and help these people.

"We scoped the whole pack grounds and not once were we detected. We also crossed the border too and it must be weak because no one came to check to see who crossed into the territory. We will definitely have to create a ruckus or grab some guards.

Also, the whole pack is completely underfed. There's no children playing, almost all of the houses are run down. I saw a fountain in front of the packhouse, and there's no running water and everything is scarce or dead. I think most of the pack members have abandoned this place. Or they are being hidden away from their loved ones somewhere else. We weren't close enough to tell. "

"Okay, that's more than enough reason to interfere. The people and the land are dying. Innocent wolves at the hands of a merciless Alpha. Doesn't sit right with me at all. What irks me even more is that no one has interfered before now? "

'Elaina, are you ready for an Alpha challenge? I know how you like to gloat all your skills.' I said internally to my wolf with a sly smile on my face.

'Now you know Hera, I am down always to kick anyone's a*s. Especially no good son of a b*tches like this Alpha. Just say the word mama!' She says her last sentence with a little Latino twang which elicits a giggle from me.

"The plan of attack will be simple. Most of the guards are too weak and too overworked to be able to fight. We will start by grabbing two guards and speaking with them and telling them our plans. Once they agree or don't agree to help us then we will infiltrate the packhouse looking for the Alpha. I will call him out for the Alpha challenge and go from there." I said with finality.

" This Alpha probably doesn't have any allies or friends based on the shape of his pack. So I do not think we need to worry about back up. I will call Alpha Lewis for a little more information about this Alpha and we will discuss it after dinner tonight." Everyone looks at me and nods with wide smiles.

This is the type of thing that gets our adrenaline pumping, helping people in need. It's like something we were born to do. Something we were meant for. Nothing feels better than helping those that need it the most.

We all disperse for some quiet, alone planning time to bring back to dinner. I am fixing to make a call to Alpha Lewis when Elaina stops me.

'Hera, you are the strongest human I have ever been blessed to be. And I want you to know what is in store for you, for us, is going to be nothing but magical. And when we meet our mate you are going to be the strongest and most amazing Female Alpha the world has seen.' My little sentimental wolf.

I love her pep talks. She is always so sure of me. Of the both of us.

'Elaina, we haven't even seen this Alpha. We cannot get cocky about the challenge or we will be sure to have the sh*t kicked out of us. But thank you my sweet, thoughtful wolf. Who knew you'd care so much! '  I said with a chuckle.

'Not a f*cking chance Hera and you know it.' She said laughing back at me. There's my bad*ss girl!

'Also, I don't think I want a mate. Not that the undying love and what not is not appealing. I just don't think I can stomach any form of rejection to be honest Elaina. We can't expect anyone to see us and figure out we are either rogues or werewolves and decide that is the life they want. I have you and our little pack, and hopefully new pack members to look out for. I won't have time for a mate, my girl.'

'I understand but when he comes along, just don't throw away my chance to have my mate. At least give it a chance. Okay?'

'I'll think about Elaina. But not right now. Now I have to call Alpha Lewis. Get this sh*t over with.'

'Okay girl, let's go kick some Alpha A*s. Plus I like that Alpha Lewis he's a good man. And not so sneaky like the others.'

He is a good man. He told his ranked members about our help and sent us extra food and supplies constantly. He hasn't told his pack because he doesn't want his pack to panic thinking we will take over. But at least his ranked members know of us and are not allowed to kill rogues on site. Unless they are hurting or pillaging his pack.

*ring ring ring*

"Hello Hera, what do I owe this pleasure?" He says and I can tell he is smiling.

"Hello Alpha Lewis." He hates it when I call tell him that.

"How many times do we have to talk about this? I am not your Alpha. Although I appreciate the respect, please it's just Lewis."

"Alright.. Lewis. What do you know of the pack and it's Alpha the furthest south of my cliff?" I say getting straight to the point of my call.

"What is the matter? Are you 5 okay?" He asks with a little worry in his voice.

"So apparently there's nothing good to know. But yes we are fine. Thank you for your concern."

"No, I'm afraid there isn't Hera. The man is a well known sh*tty Alpha. Alpha Wayne. We have tried to remove him from his position legally, but we can't get his pack members to go against him. Although the land is barren, we can't proceed unless we have evidence of his wrong doings to bring to the council and the Lycan king."

"Has anyone tried to challenge him for his position?"

"Unfortunately no. No one wants to be the Alpha of a dying pack Hera. "

"Just so we are clear. He's a sh*t Alpha, no one wants to lead a dying pack so he hasn't been challenged, and because there isn't any witnesses to testify against him before the council or the Lycan long, they have their hands tied?" I'm a little shocked. I haven't even seen that much and I already basically know all of that. Anyone with a set of eyes would be able to see that this Alpha is no good and corrupt.

"Correct, but why are you asking me this Hera?"

"I will call you tomorrow afternoon with my reasoning Lewis. Just know we are fine. Okay?"

"Alright. I trust you to make good decisions. You haven't misled anyone in the past. Just let me know if you or the others need anything."

"Thanks Lewis I will speak with you tomorrow."

*click*

Just as I expected a filthy Alpha. I hate those stupid werewolf laws. There is an obvious problem within that pack and no one is willing to go against this Alpha to stop it.

I wish we could've ran by there before. We never go that far but for some reason Elaina kept pushing me further and further south. I'm glad she did now. I'm glad we are stepping into this now though. Any longer and sooo many innocent wolves would probably lose their lives to starvation and or the Alpha himself.

'Calli, you okay?'

'Yeah what's up?'

Normally wolves can't mindlink if they don't belong to a pack or they aren't immediate family or mates.. But because we all swore to be basically our own pack we are blessed by the Moon Goddess with this ability.

'I just finished speaking with Lewis.'

'And it's just as you suspected. Complete and utter sh*t show?'

'You got it. Unfortunately, the stupid werewolf laws have prevented them from removing this Alpha Wayne. And there aren't any witnesses to his crimes willing to come forward. Probably being blackmailed.'

'Probably like that patrol guard was talking about. Yennifer? Being held in the packhouse. I really feel terrible for them and their families. But you already know. I'm all in!'

'Awesome, let's get dinner done and make our plan. We will get some rest tonight and make our way over there at dawn.'

We cut the mindlink. And we grab some ingredients to prepare dinner. Tonight is our taco night. But Juan said we buy the ingredients and he will cook them. He said he doesn't trust us to not mess up his family cuisine. We laugh every time.

We sit around to eat and Bethany sits next to me. I guess to be closer to hearing the plan. Unlike Jeremiah, she lovessss rescue missions. Since she was one. She always says she wants to pay it forward to others not as fortunate as her having ran into us.

"I hope that this pack will see that we are truly there to help. I don't want anyone to think we don't have good intentions." She says looking at me with a small smile.

"I think everything will be better than what they have now. Maybe when we help free whatever loved ones they have and get rid of this Alpha, they will see that we truly are good. But dealing with what they have so far, and we really don't even know the extent of it, they will probably be untrusting at first." Calli chimes in.

She is very knowledgeable. She makes it her mission to know every single werewolf and Lycan kingdom law just in case we need it. Which in this case we will.

"I agree. So I think the best solution would be to grab the guards like we said earlier. And explain to them we are here to help them and their families. They can explain to us the layout of the pack house. We will pull them behind our group. I don't want them to catch any grief from their fellow pack members. I would like to try and free anyone we can in the packhouse before Wayne notices. If he realizes we are there before we can free anyone, Bethany and Juan I want you two with me. Calli and Jeremiah. I will draw Wayne out and I want you two to go in and see if you can help any pack members inside escape. "

They all sat quiet, thinking and eating.

"What if sh*t goes sideways? What if we are all really wrong about this place? And there's some sort of curse or something plaguing the Alpha and the land?" Juan speaks up. Must've been something he has seen before.

"That's a good point Juan, thank you. How about we see what the guards say. Either way the Alpha will be guilty. You have to let that type of darkness into your lands for it to be that bad. So, he either wronged many people and the Moon Goddess and Mother Nature are punishing him. OR he just wronged a witch or her family. Either way he is to blame. No good Alpha will ever have a land or people in that much of a dire need. Alpha's, GOOD Alpha's are made to withstand dark magic in that way.

Unless you give into it. If you fight it with all your might then it goes away. If you invite it in or even give up then that is on your own shoulders no one else's. Darkness cannot plague a light heart."

My grandmother taught me a lot about dark and light magic and some of the laws and how they work. She explained potions, curses and spells. I have all her journals that I continuously read.. Some people are born a witch, and some are really good at making spells to help people or protect others. My grandmother helped a lot of people with her learned spells. I wish I would've learned faster to help her in her final hours. But that is another reason why I can't leave these people to rot.

"That's understandable then. As a pack warrior, I watched an old Alpha succumb to a dark witches powers when we were visiting and helping another pack. She would say she is just that strong. But I would believe you over her anyday." Juan said with a smile wrapping his arm around Bethany.

"So the plan is settled. Everyone get some sleep and be ready about 35 minutes before dawn. It'll take about that long running in human form. If you wish to run in wolf form you can also do that. Just keep your scent down wind."

"Aye aye future Alpha." Jeremiah saluted and mocked me. Just like a dumb brother would. "Yeah yeah Jer. Just make sure your ready I may want to kick your a*s again after I'm done with this Alpha. Maybe you'll be more of a challenge this time. "

The whole table busted into a fit of laughter. Even Jeremiah was cackling. I love this little family we have made. The 5 of us. I wish Andreas and Damion were here to possibly help us. Maybe I can get a hold of them after we are done. See if they want to join. But I won't get ahead of myself. One step at a time. Tomorrow will be a tough and difficult day for everyone.

-The Next Morning-

Everyone is up bright and early. We've had our morning coffee to wake up. We've all stretched before our run. Getting ready for this obstacle.

"Alright, you four in a line. "

They line up. "Down the line tell me your position so everyone is clear."

"Bethany and I will be with you as we enter the pack lands, we will grab two guards and pull them back to where we all are. So we can explain our plan." Juan said and Bethany nodded.

"Hoping they agree to help us, they will give us a layout of how the packhouse is set up and the possible locations their loved ones will be locked away in. We will try to infiltrate the packhouse without being noticed by the Alpha. If we cannot.." Bethany trailed off. It's my turn.

"I will call the Alpha out of his room in the packhouse. And challenge him for his Alpha title. Once I have him outside..."

"Calli and I will sneak into the packhouse with the guards to help as many pack members escape. Juan and Bethany will be with you making sure no one interferes with the challenge." Everyone nods. Once we are all clear we take off in a run.

The adrenaline pumping through my veins, the strategy of what soon will be a fight for an Alpha's title, and hopefully the end to the suffering for these wolves.

'You ready for this Elaina?'

'Hell yeah, I'm always ready for a good fight.'

We kept running but still in human form.

Jeremiah and Juan both ran in wolf form.

They liked it that way.

Calli and Bethany carried their clothes with them. All I had was my cell phone on me while the girls had backpacks. Along with the guys clothes we had supplies in case anyone was already injured too badly. Once everything was settled we'd order a big feast for everyone. We've had more than enough money for it.

**********

We have finally made it to the scarce border of this pack. I should've asked Lewis the name of it.

We see Bethany and Juan getting into position to grab the guards that are fixing to walk near us. My heart is racing, going a million miles a minute.

I feel like I was just born for things like this!

They swiftly grab the two guards and bring them to us. They won't let go of their mouths until we know they won't scream.

They haven't mindlinked anyone and I think that is because they are too famished and weak to use their wolf powers. Also, the land being so barren isn't good for wolves. We need luscious forests and grass to run through. Unless you are a desert or snow wolf then it's different.

"I know you both are frightened because we are strangers. But we are not the regular rogues you have been taught to hate. Before my friends remove their hands from your mouths I need to know you won't scream. We are only here to help."

They looked a little scared at first. Almost shaken. They looked at each other and nodded and then looked at me and nodded.

So I mindlinked them to be unhanded but told Juan and Bethany to stay close by and keep an eye out. Calli and Jeremiah were behind me. Jer is still in wolf form and Calli still in human form.

"What do you want with us? How are you going to help us? No one has been able to help us before.."

"We are here to stop your tyrant Alpha from harming you and your pack members further. We only found this pack yesterday on a run. We live on the cliff, a 35 minute run in human form from here. We saw the land was barren and actually we heard the both of you talking about your loved one Yennifer being locked in the packhouse. How you aren't allowed to hardly eat. We cannot stand for the mistreatment of innocent supernaturals, so we came to help. "

"But you're rogues, why would you wanna help a bunch of pack wolves?" The second guard asks, visibly shaken. I blasted a soothing aura to calm the nerves of him and his weak wolf. They both immediately started to relax.

"Like I said, we aren't regular rogue wolves. Would you like to help us, help you all?"

They sat still and silent for a moment and then the one that was shaking spoke.

"We don't know what your plan is, but we have families there. We haven't become witnesses to have him removed because he has already killed a wolf and his mate and blamed it on rogues for drawing attention in the first place. It's something we cannot risk. How will you rid our pack of him and what do you want in return?"

"The only way to rid the pack of him is to challenge him for the pack and his title. To the death."

They looked a little worried and then looked at Jer's pretty dark brown and brendel wolf.

"Is he going to be the one to challenge him? You might just have a chance."

"Hahaha. No, I will be challenging him. And you can ask anyone in my family here. I am the best fighter there is around here. "

They looked even more scared now.

"We don't know why we feel like we can trust you but we agree to help you just please make sure no more people get hurt by that man."

I nodded.

"I promise. Now I need a rundown on the layout of the packhouse. And will your Alpha know if someone is coming in and out of the border or the packhouse?"

"We can draw up a map and layout if you have paper. The border? No he won't notice, it's too weak. But the packhouse yes, he has cameras everywhere in and around his packhouse. "

I nodded.

'So plan B it is ladies and gents. '

I mindlinked my 4 friends with a huge smirk on all of our faces, which made the guards a little nervous.

'Bethany and I love a good chase.' Juan linked back and my smile got bigger.

Here we go! Oh the fun! Hopefully we can end this quickly.