Sure enough, the time Rob dreaded was here. The humans were at the gate, and it was as uncomfortable as he expected it to be. Enforcers greeted them at the gate and escorted them in to the packhouse where he and his command staff. Jane Ann and Jon did a great job of getting a variety of pack members involved in taking small groups about showing the humans how they lived, and describing how they worked together as a community. They’d grouped up the different interests of the humans so that they saw exactly what would interest them the most. Like medical professionals visiting the healing centre. Then learning about how they combined science and different types of magic to deal with medical issues. Law enforcement met with enforcers and talked shop while learning about different procedures for dealing with certain types of supernatural crimes and perpetrators. Which led Rob to explain why their jail was so full of young wolves. They’d been br
Over the next few days, several groups of humans came through the pack’s territory to learn more about their neighbours and understand their way of life. They were the talk of the news all over the world. Reports were mixed, from welcoming to outright hostile. Rights groups versus supremacist groups vied on talk shows and in the streets during protests. Even the churches stepped in with their views of these events. The misinformation flew far and wide. They portrayed the Lycans no less like the other supernatural creatures. As news leaked about how the test subjects were treated, their image changed from a raging monster to misunderstood victims. By then, several countries were trying to remove the supernatural element from their population. Many were shocked and dismayed at how far these monsters insinuated themselves within different countries’ economy and political structures worldwide. It wasn’t just hunting them down or banning them from participating i
Bart’s life took a turn the day after the first humans went through Rob’s territory. He’d been put on the spot several times when he was asked, as the leader of the Lycans, would they run their pack the same way? Or how do the Lycans feel about this or that? It was one question after another that he couldn’t answer. It was a very humbling experience, and it enlightened him on how much he didn’t know about his future people or their needs. Now he was touring the cleanup of the town. They removed the innocent families of the human employees from their homes. Sadly, they couldn’t stay. There were no jobs for them, and it was awkward for them when they entered the town. Many felt guilty about what their family members took part in. Others were angry. The Ruling Council paid them handsomely to leave. They could relocate wherever they wanted, and many returned to places where they had family. Hectric had done nothing to foster true loyalty in their staff or the families of th
“Sir, you say that a werewolf in the Klondike State Forest attacked you? I have here a listing of the closest wolf shifter packs and I have found none. Werewolves don’t exist. Are you sure it wasn’t a bear, fox, or coyote? Wolves don’t exist within this state forest, either. A wolf shifter pack would be extremely noticeable within its borders. How did you know it was a shifter, rather than a natural wild animal? Did they shift and take you to the hospital? Apologize? I’m sorry, sir, but shifters don’t bite if they can avoid it. What did you do to make this creature, wild or shifter, feel like they were in danger? After all, this is a state forest. You’re the invading species in that environment, after all.” Grace’s job now was to shed light on the spins humans put to their stories.Networks and various programs were begging her to come onto their shows because she made for great ratings. She finally didn’t have to pull any punches and do her job. Grace researched the people a
“It’s not a wedding ceremony. There’s no handing off the bride like you’re loaning out or giving away an unwanted hunting dog.” Becky, Jane Ann, Jon, and Rob sat at a dining table, and they’d just started working out the plans for a joint mating ceremony. “Wow. That’s a new way to look at a wedding ceremony.” Jane Ann couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Historically speaking, they were using a religious blessing to make it okay to pass a woman from one man to another as an object. Though when humans talk about things like this, they use cattle instead of hunting dogs. It’s weird sounding, but true.” Becky had been after all married before and her father had given her away. “I understand how the hand off at the beginning of the ceremony is representative of handing over an object rather than a human being. They could be anything really at that point. Heck, it’s called giving the bride away and my father said he was proud and honoured to do it back then.”
Bart thought he’d be nervous, but his nervousness didn’t hold a candle to Grace’s. She was absolutely scared that the Lycans would take one look at her and judge her unqualified to lead them because she was human. She had feared that they’d think she was completely unqualified to do her job. Nothing anyone said could change her mind right now. Bart had been poring over files on these Lycan. Speaking to them over video chat and doing his due diligence. But nothing beat working face to face with another to know what they were made of and what they could handle. “Grace, love. Stop, please. You are fine. Right now, I doubt anyone will have a problem with you as my mate. Think about it. I’m not a Lycan, I’m a wolf shifter. There are things I will never quite understand, either. You are my fated mate, and I can’t do this without you. We’ll have assistance from those who will lead under us. You’ve shown more interest in Lycan than most Lycan. The things you say and
Rob and Jon took to the centre of a raised platform, the Council of Elders sat on the other side of the room at a table, to the right and left seated that wasn’t raised for pack members to use when they came to witness the Council of Elders meeting. This time, both galleries on either side were full of the pack. Becky and Jane Ann stood in the shadows behind Rob and Jon as they confronted the Council of Elders. Becky noticed how there were so many female wolves in the pack, while older male wolves only populated the Council of Elders. There wasn’t any representation for the females of the pack. Becky didn’t think she was comfortable with that and knew she’d have to bring up why that was. The Council of Elders should represent the pack’s interests so that it can advise to the alpha the best course of action. Clearly, Becky could see that wasn’t happening here. “Rob, before you start, may I have a quick word with you?” Becky asked after her hand came to rest o
Becky and Rob were both pleasantly surprised by the response his speech received from the pack. Rob learned quickly that he’d been wrong. His pack was with him, and not the Council of Elders. He couldn’t believe the support he received with people volunteering to help set up the mating ceremonies for both couples. “Yes, I’ll let everyone know when we have a planning meeting, and we can make all the decisions then.” Rob assured them over and over until he had to stop the crowd forming. “I’d like to thank everyone who’s offering or offered to help right now. I’ll set up a meeting for everyone who’s interested in offering their services or volunteering. We’ll take a few hours and decide, organize who’s doing what. Just set things up so we don’t miss anything, or have too many people doing one thing. We’ll make this a success.” A murmur of approval went through the small crowd of people, and they talked among themselves. “Look, I’ll put a clipboard out tonight in the pac