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“Callen, are you in he...WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE!?” A loud voice boomed out and I jumped awake. I was automatically aware Lacen was gone, that the fire had dimmed to smouldering charcoal and looming over me was the devil himself, Callens Father, Alpha Smith.

“I asked you a question Runt!” he demanded grabbing me by my scruff of my neck above the bandages and lifting me with one sharp, hard and painful jerk. obviously reopening wounds on my back that had managed to close causing me to yelp “Why. Are. You. Here!? And it better be a good answer or I'll use you to restart that fire!” I whimpered loudly, wheezing from his firm grip at the fur around my neck.

“Put her DOWN Alpha!” Luce's voice called out and he turned to see Culem sitting by the door having just come in. The snow-leopard flicked his tail irritably and had narrowed his ice blue eyes “Do it gently. You have five seconds to comply.”

“And why should I do as you tell me to?” he responded smugly “You can't touch me!”

“Three seconds Alpha.” came the cold response from the feline and Alpha Smith snickered.

“I'll call your bluff, you can't touch me!” he was smug, and the feline gave a disappoint sigh and faded away “Ha! I knew yo...” The door burst open with a strong gust of air surprising him before he could finish his sentence. Luce, now in his hybrid form, stood in the doorway and he stepped in, his wings brushing the door frame.

“Here is why you should do it Alpha. Because if you don't I will remove your hand from her for you, one finger at a time, starting at your toes!” He said a deep snarl coming from him.

“Luce, calm!” Came Callens voice from behind him and the Sigma widened his eyes and stepped to one side, half bowed with his arm over his chest, my current room mate walking in the open door “Father, I have told you countless times to stay out of my room. Why am I not surprised to find the one time I hope you stay out more than any other, you don't.” he was calm, almost alarmingly so.

“Forget that! Why is THIS in your room!?” he asked swinging me around to hold me before him like I was some dirty magazine he had found, causing me to swing in his grasp and give me a little motion sickness. Callen gently took me gently from his fathers hands and carried me over to the bed to lay me down on my stomach.

“Because I want her in here,” he said simply and pet me on the head trying to calm me “You should be well aware by now father, only those I want in my room, get IN my room, with the exception of you who comes in regardless of that one rule.”

“How dare you talk to me like that! I am your Father and Alpha of this pack! Watch your mouth or...”

“Or what?” Callen returned looking back up at him with rising anger and eyes narrowed “You will have me punished like you punished Neil? You may be Alpha father but even you are pushing it! The pack is already uneasy and punishing your own son over something as small as this... even the Council could not and would not turn a blind eye!” his father growled lowly in return but stayed silent knowing he was out of luck this time.

“Luce, please show my father the door... and father... don't come back in here.” I could hear shuffling and then the door slammed, soon Luce was standing over me as well back to his human form.

“Callen go get some new bandages from your bathroom, I'll need to check her stitches, the yelp she gave when she was lifted up by your father worries me a little.”

“Understood... why do I get a feeling that you know why he was in here?” Callen asked while Luce removed my bandages carefully, trying his best to be gentle even with the fresh scabs that had stuck to them were being torn open. They had an interesting relationship the two of them. Much like my own with Luce, Callen and Luce clearly saw each other as friends and had no problems ordering each other around or hurling insulting banter at one another on occasion.

Luce clearly saw Callen as his alpha, not Callen's father and Callen saw Luce as his informant when it came to the goings on around the pack house. Luce did seem to have his eyes and ears all over the house and while he seemed to move little during the day, he had an uncanny knowledge of almost everyone's dirty little secrets.

He did respect some boundaries however, any room that was 'private' such as bedrooms as well as the punishment room seemed to be blank areas to him as well as most of the bathrooms. However if it effected the pack house, community or the pack in any way and could be heard in the hallways, he was more than knowledgeable about it and would often inform Callen if it was serious enough. Or step in himself if the situation warranted immediate action, such as my past bathroom incident.

“It is possible he was looking for you,” Luce responded “I came here in search of you, there is a council meeting, you and I will be expected in the council chambers.”

“Who called it?” Callen asked applying more antiseptic cream to my back.

“Alpha Leo, Alpha Prime of the great cats.” came the simple reply.

“We can't leave Neil here on her own, not now Dad knows she is in here.” Callen said as they started to secure new bandages around my middle and over my back.

“She was summoned as well.” Luce said and I looked up to see Callen's stunned face with mine mirroring his expression.

“Luce! You didn't!” He accused silently, his face a mix of shock and admiration.

“Bring Neil's suffering to the attention of another Alpha?” he retorted securing my new bandage a little too tightly making me give a yip in protest and he loosened it off with a sympathetic look “You and I both know, this has gone on long enough so I have decided to act in the only way I know how to without using violence.” Callen sighed and nodded reaching down and picking me up once Luce was done.

“Ok Neil, we need to make this quick,” he said holding me to face him, his face was serious but still maintained its warmth “We are going to see the high council and I'll bet top dollar you will be their main talking point. Be mindful, show respect, try not to bite and most of all, show as little fear as you can. Luce and I will be there to protect you but I highly doubt anyone will try anything against you, do you understand?” I nodded and gave his nose a light lick making him chuckle.

“Well if you don't beat all...” He said slowly chuckling “Still able to try and act cute even when in considerable pain, C'mon, lets get moving, Luce, lock the door I want nobody getting in understand?” Luce nodded and threw a couple of large logs onto the fire to get it going before he followed after us as we walked out the door, using a hint of magic to lock the door so only he or Callen could open it till the spell was changed later.

We walked to the large council room, it being one of the grandest rooms in the building, it was housed at the back on the ground floor. It usually off limits if the council was in session and I was only ever allowed in to help clean. A large chandelier hung from the centre of the room and there were a few paintings and various decorations around the room.

In the centre of the room was a large triangular table with three seats to a side; one for each Alpha. There was also an extra seat at the two points at the end of the table opposite from the door. The open space by the door was supposed to symbolise the direction to the future, which ironically, pointed out the door.

The three chairs opposite the door at the 'head' of the table were for the two Alpha Primes and the Community Alpha who sat in the middle. The current community leader was Alpha Skylar Andies Smith or Alpha Smith, Leader of all wolves in the community and Callens father. With the largest population in the community of any species, Alpha Smith had an army at his disposal if he so wished. His wolf Lycar, sat behind him against the wall looking as bored and detached from everything as he usually did nowadays.

On the Left was Alpha Mufasa Leo, Alpha to all of the great cats in the community, that being lions, tigers, panthers and so on. Alpha Leo was a fairly powerful man, he was was the leader of the strongest pride in the community and all decisions for some of the strongest members of the community went through him. He was highly respected, slow to anger, seemed to have a deep well of love for everyone and when mad could flatten a truck. As an Alpha Prime, he was responsible for all carnivores in the community outside of Council procedures except for wolves and he was usually called on in times of disputes between packs and prides or anything in between.

His lion, Sama, was either under the table or not present at the moment. The lion was laid back and lazy by nature but always maintained a regal air about himself. Slow to anger like his human half, his tan fur and brown mane was always impeccably clean and maintained. However it hid his true nature which was a wide mean streak if crossed and large amounts of power if he needed to use it.

On the right was Alpha Isto Spirit, Alpha, or Heard leader to all Equines and Cervine. He was a Tall man built like a body builder and was usually cool, calm and collected but radiated an aura of coldness. Under that however he was much like Alpha Leo, very friendly and easy to get along with but had no time for lies and excuses. He was also the Alpha Prime to all herbivores in the community but had an easier time with his job than Alpha Leo as they rarely fought over territory.

The tall stallion behind him was Tiso, his equine half. He was a stunning horse if I had to be honest and he had a calm but alert look to him. Black as the night with a white star patch on his forehead, his mane had white specks through it that looked like stars in the night.

The three carnivore Alphas were, in order from next to Alpha Leo:

Alpha Tango Mclaughlan, An English fox much like myself, he was responsible for all canines except wolves. He was a typical fox, curious and adventurous by nature, he had a laid back personality and often didn't seem to care what was going on around him but was openly a very friendly person but had little time for details often saying 'Details, who needs em?'.

His fox, Nago, sat directly next to his chair and was watching us curiously. He was the same colour as Lien however he had black 'socks' on his feet and black around his nose, where Lien only had some black on her tail and ears. Playful and generally fun to be with, he was loved by his skulk and all those he was in charge over.

Next was Alpha Sampson Song, a grizzly and an intimidating man, he was responsible for all ursine and most other carnivores that the others didn't cover. He was usually too curious for his own good and tended to over eat and drink like most ursines did. The others saw him as slow and a bit thick but he was far from it having a big love for knowledge and ran the town library.

His ursine half, Ponsam, sat in one of the corners of the room. Large and scary looking by nature of being a bear, he was just like his human half most of the time. Laid back and friendly but also hid the same ferocity as Alpha Leo did. He was apparently addicted to meed and honey and a good gift for him, as prank or serious, was to give him a pot of honey.

Alpha Alexander Gold was the last carnivore Alpha. A black tom cat, he was responsible for all domestic felines who were the main cause for many border disputes in the community. He was arrogant, cocky and often openly exposed his distaste for the other Alphas in the room.

Derland laid over his humans lap, head perked up and watching everyone in the room. He was opposite his human in many ways. He liked people, loved attention, and disliked conflict of almost any kind. He was usually found curled up on his humans lap, shoulders, or over the back of his chair, smacking him in the face with his tail when he did something the tabby disagreed with.

On the right side, was the three Herbivore Alphas, in order from Alpha Isto they were:

Alpha Raven Shatter, The only female on the council and a raven much to her name sake. she was responsible for all avians in the community whom acted very much like a messaging or surveillance network. Unlike the others, she despised her position on the council, having it forced upon her as a position that no one else wanted and shares much of that same view. She was extremely easy to get along with and had a love for everyone she met never wishing ill on anyone. She also was very well informed from the wide network of birds and bats that covered the community.

On her shoulder was Eva, the black raven keeping a close eye on the two feline predators in particular but twitched and shuffled her wings on occasion. While never meaning to, she often came across as cold and heartless but this was more her being low on patience than low on consideration for the feelings of others.

In the middle was Alpha Barry Ramside, A bull, he was built much like Alpha Song but with seemingly more... fat. Responsible for all bovines, flat footed, or animals that didn't fit in with the other two categories. He and Alpha Song were actually good friends and spent long hours at the local bar together. He had little attention span for much but had a deep love for children and ran the daycare and primary school. The Bovines mostly ran the farms creating a huge amount of food for the community which was also traded with other Were communities.

In the opposite corner of the room to Alpha Ponsam was Alpha Ramside's bull, Rarb. He was a typical looking long horn bull and despite his imposing size was trying to appear small by laying down. Generally thought to be hot blooded, he shared the same personality as his human, loving and outgoing. He had a deep passion for gardens and flowers, although if that was for culinary reasons or horticultural was any ones guess.

Lastly was Alpha Rene Valentine, A Rat, he was small and fidgety, he was in charge of all rodents. He was an interesting person, very flighty and jumpy, he rarely gave trust to others and to get it was a long and difficult task. He attempted to make everyone happy without sacrificing much of his own, this usually resulted in brandishing him as a coward but he didn't seem to care. The rodents ran most of the town utilities from the water plants, to electricity, to garbage collection and they diligently recycled and composted anything that could be, reducing the towns waste.

Ranne sat on his humans shoulders and looked to be asleep. However the subtle nose movements and ear twitches showed he was just not bothering to watch anyone. He was a typical rat in most ways although he was lactose intolerant and despised cheese. He was a hands on rodent, usually assisting the others of his mischief by running through trash piles to help sort it.

The other two seats were taken by Luce on the left and another Sigma that sadly, I didn't know the name of. Luce was effectively the referee of the meetings, his job was to make sure the proceedings didn't degrade into violence and petty squabbling. Here Luce didn't just enforce the rules, he was the rules and while he seemed lax, he stuck to them with an iron fist. He also acted as the voice for all of the Sigma's in the community, a role given to him willingly by the others of his rank in the community. Luce was in a terrifying position as the voice of the Sigmas, Sigmas are the most powerful members of the community and could make or break a conflict if they were ever taken to the front lines.

Culem, Luce's Snow-leopard, was nowhere to be seen as always. The feline was rarely seen outside their room but still somehow fulfilled his job as a messenger when needed. It was rumoured that the feline walked in the wall cavities of the house and thus could get around undisturbed among a pack of wolves.

The Sigma opposite him was the minutes keeper, recording everything that happened for future reference if needed. The reason a Sigma filled this position was because any other Were could be tempted to doctor them in their Alphas favour and Sigmas were universally neutral. Her animal half was apparently a lion and I couldn't help but be curious if it was Alpha Leo's sigma.

“That THING is not permitted within this chamber!” Alpha Smith instantly spoke up noticing me in Callen's arms as the doors closed and locked behind Callen and Luce as we stepped into the room “Remove it at once!”

“Actually, that 'thing' as you refer to her,” Alpha Leo started “Is the reason this emergency meeting of the Council was called so Neil is to remain here.”

“Murderers have no place within this chamber! Get it out at once!” he protested again more firmly banging his fist on the table.

“SILENCE SMITH!” Alpha Leo roared loudly, he growled deeply waiting a few moments for Alpha Smith and Luce to sit down “Callen, You may begin when ready.”

“Thank you Alpha Leo,” he said and pet me gently on the head to steady my nerves when he noticed I was shivering slightly “This morning, young Neil here left school early without permission. After that he headed directly into the forest and shifted into his full form. Of course he was spotted by some other youths from the school who informed Neil's alpha as soon as they could, doing the correct thing.”

“Get to your point.” Alpha smith spoke up getting a growl from the feline to his left.

“I was getting there,” Callen said sharply making his father fall silent “Of course, Neil's Alpha, Alpha Smith here, decided to punish him, as is his right for the infraction of leaving school. He also decided to punish him for shifting to full form in the forest for some reason, even though that is not forbidden so long as he is out of view of the roads. However, his method was... unusual for such a small misdemeanour as skipping a day of school and especially for a minor.”

“In what way?” Alpha Raven spoke up and Callen stepped forward to place me standing on the table, then removed my bandages gently.

“Alphas, please inspect her wounds. She currently cannot shift while she heals and may be a little slow to move due to pain, so please be gentle with her.” Callen said, his eyes locked on my father and I was almost instantly dragged over to Alpha Tango who, after he saw my wince of discomfort, tried to be more gentle.

“Oh my Word! Why has she not healed already?!” He asked inspecting the deep wounds and I was then shown to Alpha Leo. All of them looked at me with curiosity and a hint of shock.

“Father? Wish to answer that?” Callen spoke up, his father taking a swipe at me with his fist as I was passed in front of him to Alpha Raven from Alpha Leo and she started petting me softly on the head causing me to relax while she and Alpha Isto inspected me. It came as no surprise to me when he didn't speak up or the fact that he showed no remorse and shame for his actions.

Alpha Ramside didn't want to see my injuries but instead looked into my eyes which was disconcerting. His years of experience allowed him to see the pain and mild fear I was trying to hide as I looked around his face nervously trying not to make eye contact. He gave me a soft kiss to the top of my head then ushered me to Alpha Rene who sniffed me over and looked at my back with great scrutiny Alpha Raven motioned for me to return wanting to give me another look over.

“Very well, I will answer that for you,” Callen said calmly “Neil here was punished with five lashes... with a Dragons Tails.” Most of the Alphas in the room gasped and I gave a yelp as Alpha Raven accidentally clenched her fingers over my back. She passed me back to Callen quickly to re-bandage me while the council turned their attention to Alpha Smith.

“SKYLAR!” Alpha Song suddenly boomed out “HOW DARE YOU!”

“How dare I what?” he retorted, still maintaining his smug composure “I Punished it for potentially exposing us to any humans that may be lurking through town.”

“You know Damn well that the Dragons Tongue, Breath and Tails are only EVER used on the worst criminals!” Alpha Leo growled angrily “And its use is only after the council has ordered it! How DARE you usurp this council for your own selfish vendetta!”

“That THING killed my mate! It doesn’t deserve compassion!” the response came back and Leo was already up, holding Alpha Smith by the throat with a deep growl.

“It was an accident, are you going to hold it against them forever!?” He asked “You're pathetic! You don't deserve your standing as an Alpha!”

“ENOUGH! Leo release him!” Luce finally said standing up “As Members of the Council you are all aware there is to be no violence in this chamber! Alpha Smith, as punishment for breaching multiple codes, including over punishment of a minor, threatening the life of a minor, using a forbidden punishment technique on a minor and usurping Council authority, we hereby strip you of your position on this council as stipulated by Council rule P-37! Effective immediately! Callen shall take your place as a council Alpha and community head. Secondly, you are hereby banned from the punishment rooms of this community until the council deems otherwise. Now the council will decide your punishment for the mistreatment of the Omega known as Neil and his fox, Lien.”

“What are you blathering about?” Alpha Smith asked turning to look at the Sigma then back to me, the look on his face making me back up on the table into Callen's arms again my tail between my legs.

“You know perfectly well,” Luce said reaching down next to his chair and lifted a folder and dropped it onto the desk. It was thick and seemed quite heavily loaded down with a large amount of paperwork, landing on the table with a thud.

“Luce? Please explain” Alpha Leo said looking at the thick folder with interest.

“This...” he said opening it and slid several stapled stacks of the paperwork around the table “Is a copy of the original list I started oh so many years ago. It lists every single act done against Neil since the death of the late Luna, Lady Smith by Alpha Smith and this pack. Each one is listed Chronologically and if you look, they get more and more severe as time goes on, the pages are double sided.”

“Is this true?” Alpha Leo asked looking up at me and pointing to the page his face a little pale “Please, come here.” I looked up at Callen, my current guardian who simply nodded and gave me a light push in the direction of the large male. I walked carefully and unsteadily across the table, looking up occasionally at the large males to my left who watched me passing with mild amusement at my timidness till I came to be standing before Alpha Leo.

“Here, sit here...” he said motioning to the clear spot of table to his left side away from Alpha Smith “Now have a quick look, if I, or any of the others ask, just nod or shake your head ok?” I nodded feeling all eyes on me still as I sat next to the Alpha, feeling strangely comforted by his dominating presence and started going over the list.

“Is this true? Top of the list, marked as ongoing,” came a question from Alpha Tango asked pointing at his list “You live in the Attic? Sleep on an old mattress and only have torn sheets for warmth?” I flinched a little and nodded slowly.

“How do you stay warm in winter?” Alpha Isto asked, his voice deep and reverberating “You may speak if you can.”

“I...I shift the mattress that I sleep on closer to the bricks of the main chimney stack... o...or sleep in fox form.” I said feeling myself droop slightly.

“Please tell me this one is fake!” Alpha Sampson said pointing at the list “The shower incident!”

“I'm sorry to say sir that it is,” Luce said “And that I needed to step in to stop the torture.” I drooped more at the painful memory.

“And the forced cold showers?” Alpha Raven asked and I nodded again.

“The broken arm for... waking Alpha smith at... eleven o'clock one morning while moving boxes around in your attic room?” Alpha Tango asked, I whimpered softly and nodded again “At Eleven!? Honestly!?” he looked at Alpha Smith who's face didn't change from his look of smug superiority. I remembered the incident well. It had been when I was shifting the room around during one winter so I was sleeping closer to the chimney stack.

“And this one? On Callen's birthday?” Alpha Leo asked pointing to the list. It listed a third degree burn I had received for burning the roast one night a few years ago. It had been for Callen's Birthday and and Alpha had seen fit to punish me with one of the branding irons in the punishment room. Holding the red hot implement to my skin several times till the area had gone black and needed a month to heal properly, even with the advanced healing powers that came with being a Were. I whimpered more and slowly sank down feeling Alpha Smiths eyes on me, burning a hole into my very soul through the side of my head and I tried to make myself as small as possible. I nodded again unable to stop the fear filled whimper from escaping me and my eyes sting with their attempts to tear up.

“Is that why you didn't come to dinner that night?” Callen asked a little shocked “They told me you were too tired from working all day on the party to try to impress me! I had wanted you there so badly to thank you.” As soon as the next whimper was out of me I was scooped up by Alpha Tango who rested me on his lap, he stroked me softly trying to settle my fears.

“I...I...I'm S...So...Sorry Callen,” I whimpered out, now ashamed because the truth was out and that I was slowly breaking my promise of remaining strong for the meeting.

“Shh, shh, calm down,” Alpha Tango said as he held me “You are surrounded by Alphas, no harm will come to you here.” I whimpered again and coughed slightly wanting to speak.

“It...It's what will happen to me after I...I leave that I fear more...” I whined out loudly and my chin came to rest on the table, whimpering loudly as my fur was matted down by the tears that started to run freely from my eyes.

“Ugh, as usual seeking Sympathy, Pathetic excuse for a Were!” Alpha Smith sneered and I pressed deeper into Alpha Tango until Callen gently took me from him, his presence more comforting as my chosen Alpha. If I had been paying attention to anything but the ache from my heart and back, I would have noticed all the animal forms of the Alpha's making noised of anger and irritation towards Alpha Smith.

“ENOUGH FROM YOU SMITH!” Alpha Barry said slamming down his wad of papers, the noise getting everyone’s attention and managing to snap me from the small panic attack I was starting to have “I move to vote, Omega Neil is to immediately be placed under the protection of future Alpha, Callen Smith and Alpha Skylar Smith is to no longer have any interaction with the Omega. I also add the conditions, that if a more suitable room is not available for said Omega to move into, then his current room is made more inhabitable. Also he is to be given a more suitable showering condition, better meals and his tasks are lessoned. It is unacceptable that he is expected to prepare, cook and clean for the entire pack house every day and still go to school!”

“All in favour say Aye.” Luce said and there was a chorus of 'Aye' from all of the Alphas except Alpha Smith.

“Nay,” he said with a growl Eyeing me in Callens arms “I refuse to be told how to handle a member of my own pack!”

“And why is that?” Alpha Leo said turning to regard him “You seem happy to impose your power in the council upon other packs, this is no different.”

“You have broken the laws as a pack Alpha,” Alpha Isto spoke with a hidden warning “You are lucky we showing restraint and are not stripping you of your position. Your son would take over for you earlier than was intended, I am sure he would be a far superior alpha to you. Especially with this list as proof of your obvious shortfalls. An Alpha is expected to protect and nurture their pack, not... not This! How you managed to keep this all secret from us for so long is another sign that you have been abusing your position and power!”

“Watch your words stallion or they will need to find a replacement for you!” Alpha Smith growled in his direction and was quickly grabbed by the collar of his shirt by Alpha Leo.

“You have just threatened the life of a member of the Council Alpha Smith! Do you remember what the Punishment is for that!?” He growled angrily “Ten lashes with a Kitsune and seeing as you are no longer a member of the council, it would be done PUBLICLY!” he threw him back into his chair making it rock a little.

“Regardless, Alpha Smith's vote is invalid as he isn't a council member any more so the motion is carried,” Luce said standing “Alpha Smith, you are hereby barred from any access to Omega Neil and his shift Lien without Community Alpha Callen present. Their room is to be upgraded immediately, his shower restored to provide hot water if you insist that he cannot shower in the main shower room, a duty roster like in any pack household is to be started with his name on the list as well as other members of the pack house, he is to be given proper meals and he is hereby placed under your son, Callen's care.”

“Y...You can't...” he started and was promptly stopped by Luce raising his hand.

“We can and we have,” he said simply “Also, as Callen is taking your place on the council, he will be responsible for checking that you have complied with these conditions. Failure to comply will result in punishment via a public lashings of the Councils choosing, understood?”

“B...but I'm...” he again tried to start up again trying to restore his ego.

“Excellent! You may leave now, you are not needed within these chambers as you are no longer a Council member, please see yourself out.” Luce said pointing to the doors which opened on their own, most likely due to the Sigma's magic. Alpha Smith growled deeply and angrily stepping from his chair and started towards the door, his eyes never left me as he stalked towards myself and Callen, his advance slowing as he got closer.

“Do not even think about it Father,” Callen growled and tightened his arms around me “You may be strong but even you would not be able to stand up to eight very angry Alphas, Two Sigma's, one being the most powerful Sigma known and myself.” I pressed myself deeper into Callen's arms and Alpha Smith growled deeply once more before passing and walking out the doors.

The doors were shut behind him as he left with a soft click and Callen and I gave a slow gentle sigh. I could feel the tension in the room now dissipating and I started feeling tired once more, not having realised I had been using so much emotional energy till then, starting to go a little limp in Callen's arms.

“Well, that went as well as could be expected I guess.” Callen suddenly said getting a chuckle from around the room.

“Could have gone better yes but it needed to be done,” Alpha Leo said with a sigh “It also could have gone much worse, anyway, please take your seat, Community Alpha Callen.” He smiled and motioned to the seat next to him.

“What about Neil?” he asked giving me a slight squeeze making me squeak, that resulting in a chuckle from a couple of the Alphas.

“She may remain, with your father in such a foul mood we cannot, in good concious, send her to her room at this time and not expect him to take his anger out on her, despite our orders.” Alpha Valentine said remaining calm.

“He would likely get other males to do it for him.” I muttered softly and Callen pet me gently.

“True,” Callen said “It's a good thing that you are staying in my room for a few days while you heal.” he walked over to where he would be sitting and examined the chair that his father had sat upon. It was much larger than any other chair in the room, looking almost throne like with its decoration and style.

“Why did he have a more... elaborate chair when everybody else is in identical chairs?” Callen asked simply getting a Shrug from Alpha Isto.

“We asked him that when he first brought it in.” the stallion said with an eye roll. Callen sat me on the table, surprising most of them and he lifted the chair.

“Well I'm not going to sit on it,” he said heaving it to the empty corner of the room. He grabbed the chair he used to sit on that was identical to all the rest, putting it in the now empty space “There! That's better! I refuse to pretend I am better than any of you, if anything your better than I am, Now as for you...” he picked me up and sat me down on the chair in the corner making me whimper a little about sitting on that chair.

“You lay down and rest and think of this, my father would be furious that you are in 'his' chair.” he said with a smile and gently pet me on the head, scratching at my ears before he returned to the table “Ok gentlemen and gentlelady, we might as well do the usual stuff, what were we going to discus next meeting?”

“We have received word from the Vampire clan to the south” Alpha Raven said “They said they wish to cross our territory to set up a new home to the north”

“No... that won't do... The north is all forest until the border... and past that is another Were community,” Callen said “To the east is an angel base and the west is a demon base... Why do I get a feeling that they are looking to start another conflict?”

I yawned and curled up on the chair, laying my tail over my nose. You might expect it to tickle my nose but I found it comforting. I slowly closed my eyes and started to doze off with the sound of their talking and bickering.

My dreams were peaceful and for once I didn't have any nightmares of the day Lady Lunar was killed or any of the torments Alpha Smith enacted upon me. I was woken up the the feeling of Callen's hands lifting me and huge increase of pain in my back making me hiss as I came too.

“Sorry,” he said apologetically “The meeting is over, Time to head back to the room, we can get you some painkillers back in the room.” he smiled and lifted me slowly and carefully into his arms.

“I hope I didn't disturb anyone.” I said laying my ears back in embarrassment and he chuckled.

“The only way you disturbed us was your occasional whimper and Alpha Raven and Alpha Leo wanting to get up and cave into their caring instincts and coddle you.” I squeaked and squirmed a bit.

“R...Really?” I asked and he nodded.

“Surprised they didn't wake you when they pet you whenever they got up for a pee break,” he chuckled “They all seemed to need to take the long way round.” I gave a soft whimper unable to show off my embarrassment any more than I was. We remained silent till we got to Callen's bedroom, the fire had picked up and Luce had already dropped off a tray with two pizza boxes, a jug of iced water with two glassed and a garlic bread on it.

“Pizza?” I asked looking at Callen as he sat me down on the bed and made his way to the boxes.

“Yeah, apparently the others in this pack can not cook to save their miserable hides,” he said picking up the boxes with a chuckle “They somehow managed to burn a stew in the slow-cooker, so Luce ordered out. Thankfully near by is the pizzeria run by a border collie family and they were very understanding.”

“Understanding that the only person in the pack who can cook is the Omega and he is currently in no medical state to cook?” I asked then blinked realising what I had said “I...I'm sorry I didn't mean to...” he put his hand up and sat next to me on the bed.

“Now now, if I recall I said you can speak freely in here, if not then I have now,” he smiled opening the boxes and placed one in front of me then split up the garlic bread and gave me half “I am ashamed personally that it has gotten this bad, that the pack cannot feed itself without you, that you were punished so badly for something so small and that it is taking the Council to put an end to it.” I nodded and started eating, both of us eating in silence for a few minutes.

“I...I found him,” I finally spoke up breaking the silence.

“Found who?” Callen asked looking down to me.

“You know... HIM!” I punctuated and looked up at him “My mate.” He looked curious for a moment before his face lit up with a broad smile.

“That's Fantastic!” he said with a smile and I gave a soft whimper looking down to the pizza in front of me “What's wrong?”

“H...he... I...”

“Oh Neil, he didn't reject you did he?” he asked and I shook my head sadly.

“N..No... he...he's...”

“Human.” Lacen said from the basket in the corner and I gave a loud whimper and nodded.

“Oh Neil... Where is he?” Callen asked looking to me and I shrugged.

“I don't know... He could be anywhere, I sent him away from the pack lands towards the northern packs,” I said whimpering more starting to cry now fully disinterested with my dinner “Hopefully he did as I told him but... even if he didn't go... I have no hope of ever being with my mate, Alpha Smith would kill me and him. While I would be fine with the first, I could never forgive myself if he did the second.”

“But without him you'll...” he started and I nodded slowly.

“It's better that I sacrifice myself so he might live... better that than someone innocent gets killed.” I said and started batting lightly at the pizza box.

“Oh Neil...” Callen said sadly and gently started petting me again.

“I...I'm such a coward,” I whimpered loudly “I cant even keep my own mate! What is the point in me continuing on living? When my 'happily ever after' is taken from me before I can even have it!? All because Alpha Smith hates humans!” I covered my face with my paws now feeling exceptionally miserable.

“Neil...” Callen started.

“Just throw me on the fire Callen... I have no more reason to go on.” I felt Lien get angry inside me but I kept her subdued. It wasn't until I looked up I realised I was now sitting next to a very angry white wolf who was snarling loudly at me teeth inches from my face. Instincts kicked in and I was off the bed and under it in seconds, whimpering loudly and shivering in fear.

I had never once seen Callen angry, he was always so level headed, so calm towards me at any rate. This Callen scared me and terrified me, it was like he was a completely different person now. His face, lips pulled back in a snarl and eyes locking onto me, appeared at the edge of the bed. Thankfully he was too big to get under the bed but I pressed deeper under the bed anyway. I only stopped my retreat finally when I felt the bandages catch on the rungs and my butt bump against the wall. My back was once more in a large amount of pain from my sudden hurried movements.

“DON'T LET ME HEAR YOU SAY THAT AGAIN!” he barked out loudly and angrily “Goddess Neil! It's NOT OVER! You're giving up hope before even Trying! I did not go through all the effort to keep you alive just for you to give up!” I nodded slowly and he gave an irritated huff before his face returned to its usual calm.

“Now come out of there, I'm sorry I scared you,” I hesitated, watching him carefully. His eyes softened and he laid down giving an almost puppyish huff and wagged his tail “Please?” I slowly started worming my way towards him, my eyes not leaving his as I got closer and closer.

He stood up as I got my nose out from under the bed, and he gently picked me up by my scruff with his teeth and helped me out from under the bed. He jumped up onto the bed and laid me down in the centre, before changing back to human form and got dressed quickly.

“I'm sorry I frightened you Neil,” he said and straightened my bandages the best he could “When you said that... we snapped.” Lacen nodded in agreement and curled up next to me and motioned towards my abandoned food.

“Please... Eat,” the wolf said “You need all the energy you can get to heal.”

“He's right Neil, you need to eat,” the human said and gave a smile “You wouldn't want to make me have Luce get baby formula to force feed you.” My eyes went wide and I eyed him from the corner of my eyes.

“You wouldn't be that cruel!” I said giving my tail a playful wag hoping he was toying with me.

“I'd make sure it was a Vegetable one, and use a kiddy’s spoon” he retorted with an evil grin and I gave a small whimper.

“You would...” I finally conceded and started making my way back to it. I ate a piece of garlic bread, chewing it slowly admittedly but I was eating it at least and it seemed to make him happy. He started eating a few seconds later and Lacen made his way to my basket by the fire, laying down and over filling it comically before realising it was the wrong one.

We ate in silence aside from the occasional shift on the bed and the crackle of the fire. The fire giving a hiss when Callen threw a piece of unwanted pizza crust into it. Once we were both done eating he took the empty cardboard boxes and placed them on the fire, adding a handful of something in a small pot next to it after the flames died down a little. I was admittedly curious, and watched as the fire changed to a violet colouration for a few seconds.

“Its a special blend I made up,” he said with a smile seeing my curiosity “Took a few years to perfect, its a combination of citrus rinds, flowers and a few herbs. Its designed to smoulder, and gives off a scent that helps with sleep and gives a pleasant scent to the room for a few hours.” he smiled pulling out the fire tongs and adjusted a few things in the fire, pulling something to the front before placing a few new thick logs on the fire to make it flair up to life once more.

“Now, I won't be mad if you decide to sleep on the bed, or in your basket,” he said as he headed to the bathroom “But you are welcome to sleep on my bed if you want, I don't mind the company. I'm going to have a quick shower before bed, be back in a few minutes ok?” I nodded and wagged my tail watching him close the door behind him and the shower started a second or two later. I dropped my head to the sheets and closed my eyes giving a soft huff and groan of comfort.

“Oh hello Culem,” Came Callen's voice jolting me from the light sleep I had fallen into “Wasn't expecting you, making yourself comfortable I see... everything ok?” I looked up without moving seeing the snow-leopard sitting in my basket, his long thick tail covering it almost fully from view.

“I Have some news for you about your father,” he said his attention on me for a second with what looked like sorrow before returning to look at Callen his face falling serious “Your father is tearing the attic limb from limb.” My tail instantly stopped its small wag and frizzed and I quickly jumped down from the bed and ran to the door, forgetting it was closed and crashed into it before I could be stopped.

“Niel!” Callen called and ran over to me picking me up, Lacen chuckling a little “Stay calm, we will deal with this... Is Luce there already?” he turned to look at the leopard while gently petting over the growing bump on my head.

“Yes, we were alerted to it by the noise, we didn't want to act without you present.” Came the curt response.

“Good, summon some of the war wolves, I think Alpha Leo is still in the building isn't he?” Callen Placed me on the bed and quickly started getting dressed.

“Yes sir, he is currently in the kitchen having a cup of tea and slice of cake with vet Shelly and her mate, future Beta Anders.”

“Good, get all three of them,” he said pulling on a shirt and then collected me from the bed “C'mon Lacen I'll probably need you.” He walked out of his room and carried me to the entrance to the attic, loud banging and crashing coming from within. Luce stood at the door, next to him was Alpha Smiths Wolf, Lykar, sitting next to the door with a look of detachment from everything that almost came off as utter boredom. Over the years, Lykar had become less and less bothered by anything and often ignored his human half. He had become what Alpha Smith seemed to try to make me, broken and dead inside, nothing more than a drone. They hadn't shifted in years, with Lykar stating the reason being that he 'didn't want to be part of him any more'.

“Didn't expect you here Lykar.” Callen said as he approached and the wolf briefly looked up at him.

“He tried to force a shift,” he responded dryly with a shrug of his canine shoulders “I think it just made him angrier when I rejected the attempt. Hello Omega, I regret this afternoons punishment he inflicted, is my son treating you well?” I nodded slowly and I could have sworn I saw a slight smile as his tail made a lazy flick but I could have just imagined it.

“Callen!” We heard from behind us and he turned to see Vet Shelly, next Beta in line Anders, Alpha Leo, and a small collection of war wolves approaching.

“What is going on?” Anders asked and was cut off from his answer when Shelly Stepped forward to take me from Callen's arms.

“Oh Dear GODDESS! What happened to you!?” she asked me looking me over.

“Good thing you are here Shelly, I'd like you to have a look over Neil's injuries a little later,” Callen said then there was a loud crash from above us “But first, Shelly, please protect Neil, don't let her go for love nor money. Luce be ready to shift if needed, Alpha Leo we will need you to assist us.” Alpha Leo nodded and Luce opened the door and there was a crash as he did. A lone Christmas bauble fell down the stairs and rolled out onto the carpet.

“Well we were going to decorate soon” Luce said trying to make light of it “I was even going to send Anders to select a few trees soon for around the pack house” Leo and Callen gave him a look of 'that's not a tasteful joke' while the others, even I chuckled softly.

Callen walked up the stairs followed by Anders, Alpha Leo, Luce, Shelly with myself and the war wolves behind us. When we got up there I was reduced to a whimpering ball of fur in Shelly's arms. The boxes were destroyed, their contents scattered from one end of the attic space to the other with a box shaped hole in the window. Around the room was the remains of my bedding, with the metal inner-spring frame even torn apart. All of my clothes were in tatters, the chest of drawers used to store them currently in the alpha's hands. That however didn't last long as he took one look at the group of us, saw me, and hurled it at us.

Shelly reflexly curled around me turning her back to the object and there was a loud crash followed by some splinters of wood flying past her shoulders. When we turned back, one of the war wolves and Anders had stepped into its path blocking it, the furniture having exploded against their backs.

“ALPHA SMITH! STAND DOWN NOW!” Alpha Leo boomed out and he only got a deep growl and snarl in return.

“Father, This will get you nowhere.” Callen said and got the same response of a deep snarling growl. He didn't take his eyes off of me, deep hatred burning deep in them. I squirmed trying to get away, figuring I could protect Shelly by being far away from her. He lunged at us but mid lunge he fell flat to the floor, Luce stepping forward having shifted to mid form.

“Now now Alpha, you know that won't get you anywhere,” He said almost musically with a smirk “You would need to get past Alpha Leo, your own son, several war wolves, Shelly, her mate Anders and myself before you got to Neil.”

“War wolves!” Alpha Leo said turning to look at them “Take and secure him in the holding cells untill he calms down. I will take temporary command of the pack and pack house until he has gotten a hold himself.” The males nodded rushing forward and walked off with him struggling and swearing at me the whole time.

“Are you ok?” Anders asked checking over Shelly and she nodded as he fussed.

“So... this is you room little Omega.” Alpha Leo said stepping forward to look around.

“What's Left of it Alpha...” I said softly and Shelly put me down letting me wander around. I walked over to the window and sat slowly, I looked out into the yard where a box had exploded on the front lawn bellow. Nothing had survived his wrath, I now had no clothes, no bed, no personal effects and even my school equipment was destroyed. It was cold as usual, our breaths misting as we breathed.

“You ok?” Callen asked and I didn't even look up as someone approached.

“I don't know any more,” I muttered softly “This was all I had in this world... and now it's all gone... it wasn't much and it wasn't perfect... but it was mine.” I looked up and gave what remained of my makeshift curtains a tug with my teeth making them fall to the floor around me.

“We will fix it, better than new.” Callen said as I was lifted by strong arms. I looked to see it was Alpha Leo who had lifted me and was oddly comforted once more by the Alpha as he carried me back to the others.

“I assume you had plans already in motion for his room?” He asked Callen handing me over, Callen simply smiled in response to the question “Good, accelerate them, you have no budget limitations, use whoever you want. Luce, you are on guard duty over Alpha Smith till Neil is able to defend himself. He is not to come anywhere near them, understand?”

“Consider it done Alpha.” Luce answered giving a soft bow and walked out of the room heading towards the cells if I was guessing.

“Shelly, can you come with me?” Callen asked her gently.

“Sure, why?” she responded, walking with us down the stairs to the hallway and back towards his room.

“I mentioned before I want you to give Neil a proper look over,” He answered “Luce and I did the best we could but neither of us have the medical expertise that you do.”

“Damn straight I'm the bomb!” she said with a cheeky smirk “You know I'm going to ask what happened and for his...her sake, you need to answer them.”

“That's fine, in here though,” he said opening the door to his room and walked in “On the floor ok? I'll get a towel and the medical kit that was left by Luce”

“On the bed would be better, the kit will also be useful.” she said smiling and he nodded sitting me on the bed.

“Stay.” he said with a smirk and started rummaging in his closet getting a towel out and laid it out on the bed. I shifted over and laid down on it automatically as he came back a second later with the kit.

“Such a willing patient!” Shelly said with a squeal of joy “Normally I need to have people scruffed so they don't move.”

“Sadly us manhandling her possibly has made her more compliant.” Callen said as he placed the kit on the bed next to me. She opened it and put on gloves before she started undoing the bandages.

“Well the bandages don't look too good, they aren't on properly and are all bunched up.” She said as she removed them from me.

“Yeah sorry about that, I scared her and she squeezed under the bed.” Callen said to defend himself.

“Oh well that's perfectly alright then!” she said sarcastically with an eye roll. She finally got the bandages off exposing my back and I gave a slight hiss of discomfort of them peeling a few scabs off just as they did the last time.

“Ouch sorry honey,” She said trying to be sympathetic “Ok lets see, Stitches are a bit loose but should be ok. What happened for her to need it?”

“Dad decided to flog her... and use a Dragons Tails to do it.”

“You use the wash?” she asked without hesitation and Callen nodded.

“Washed her myself,” he said and she gave him that same cheeky smile that seemed to hint at 'you lucky dog' sitting on her tongue “Even managed to get four chunks of silver from her wounds, we even used the correct procedure for post flogging medication and with the wash.”

“Anything else happen?” she asked

“yeah we had to give her the shot as well, she started throwing up.”

“No surprise there I guess, in the morning give her a soak in the bath, warm water and use the Anti-bane jell again” she said poking at a few spots making flinch a little each time “Some painkillers too as movements will be difficult with the cuts so deep. She wont like this but get some Betadine and apply it to the area before you bandage it after the bath, sadly that will stain her fur brown till she can change again. If it gets infected let me know immediately, with such deep wounds it's a high possibility that she could get an infection and that would turn nasty fast. Sadly wolves-bane creates a barrier that prevents a Weres normal healing processes, so her body wont be able to fight off an infection normally.” Callen nodded and she pet me gently between my ears.

“Light bandages for the night, come to me to get the stitches pulled in two days, don't do it yourself,” she added now applying a new bandage to my back “Bandage it like this see? Keep her warm and the area clean and dry and she should be ok in a few days.”

“Sounds good, Thanks for the help Shelly, I'll have Luce get the Betadine and jell now for the morning.” Callen said with a smile and looked to Lacen who I heard trotting out of the room.

“I'm just shocked that he used such a treatment on someone of such a young age, she is going to have these scars for life,” Shelly said with a sigh “I expect to see you two in my clinic in a few days to have the stitches pulled, bring tall dark and handsome with you.”

“Y...you mean Lurch?” I asked shuddering a little. Anders, also known as 'Lurch' due to resembling the butler from the Adams Family TV show was an imposing and scary person. Built like a brick wall, he often impersonated the character in a way that was almost believable. He was, in fact, quite intelligent, having passed all of his schooling and university with the highest marks and even set many of the communities athletics records.

“Yep that's him,” Shelly said with a chuckle as she walked towards the door “He's a puppy, he just Looks imposing. If you two decide to go out tomorrow drop by the clinic and I'll do some blood tests to check if there is any wolves-bane in his system and get you some better painkillers. Anyway, good night you two, sleep well.” she waved as she walked out the door and Callen gave a sigh.

“Well, we best get some sleep, I expect you to stick by me for the next few days. We will have pain killers for you in the morning, that should help you get around a bit during the day,” he said and smiled “Don't be scared to ask for more when the pain starts to come back ok?” I nodded and he pet me on the head, collecting the towel from under me and he placed me into my basket by the fire, tossing in one more handful of his mixture before climbing into bed himself.

“Good night Neil.” he called and my tail wagged a little.

“Good night Callen.” I responded, adding 'Alpha' silently in my mind before his name. I laid my tail over my nose again and watched the flickering dancing flames till my eye lids drooped and closed, sending me into the nocturnal haven where Alpha Smith hopefully wouldn't tread tonight.