Hope

The next three days were basically torture. Connor had all of us training, and added Colby to our group. When he finally stopped drooling over my dad, he was an impressive fighter. They all were and I had little doubt we could handle the council if it came down to a hand to hand fight.

They are old wolves, but lazy. I wouldn't be surprised if they rarely, if ever trained. I was more focused on my powers, getting my shield to travel as far as possible and hold for as long as it could. I had gained quite a bit of distance and Connor was pleased with my progress. I had been practicing my aura as well, but no one liked being forced into submission so I didn't use it as often. Connor was willing to fight against it, and did quite well a few times, but making him kneal in front of me felt wrong and I couldn't stomach it after a couple of attempts. He knew this particular power was more connected to my emotions, so there was little doubt I would be able to call on it if the council threatened me or my family.

As the sun rose on the morning of their arrival, we requested as many pack members as possible to go into neighboring human towns, in case there was a fight we wanted them as far away as possible. The rest we asked that they stay close to home and, if they heard a disturbance, to go inside. My mother and Liz were on strict lock down orders and when we were alerted to the council's presence, they would go into the bunker at the alpha house, normally meant for the Luna and their children. We weren't taking any chances.

Collateral damage was not acceptable.

At least not to us. Information on the council was sparse. Connor had called as many packs as he could, but no one knew exactly what their structure was, or what their purpose is. Only that it was a group of five male wolves, all very old. They all at one time had been alphas and after passing of their packs to their sons, formed their own little club. They were largely ignored, because they held no real power. They would occasionally help packs with fighting off enemies, be it rogues or vampires. Then they began punishing wolves that went against our laws. They were somewhat respected then, believed to be fair and level headed. But the longer they were given governance over wolves, the more the power went to their heads. Before long they considered themselves kings before all but disappearing, believing their power to be absolute. From what Connor gathered, alphas allowed them to think this way, much like you let a child think they got their way. They believed they were powerful and had the respect of every wolf on the planet, so they left us alone.

Until now, when there was someone to challenge that power.

I spent the morning in the kitchen, our little group huddled around doing nothing but waiting, since that's all we could do. Connor hadn't let me out of his sight for the last few days, the other wolves took turns keeping watch outside of our bedroom door at night. He was taking no risks with my safety and it made my love for him grow, even though I didn't think that was possible.

"Relax, sweetheart. Everything will be fine. We're ready." He whispers in my ear before wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my shoulder. I can't help but smile at the affection and wonder what a simple life would be like with my mate.

"Boring. It'd be boring, baby." He says with a sly smirk and I shake my head at him, a silent admonishment for poking around where he doesn't belong.

'Get out of my head.' I link him and he smiles again.

'But it's my favorite place to be. Well, second favorite.' He says with a deep chuckle making goosebumps pebble along my skin. I sit up on my tip toes to press my lips to his firmly, soaking up every bit of love from him. He meets my kiss with his own firm passion, pouring love and fear into me, allowing me to pick up his burdens to help him carry them, just as he does for me. I pull away reluctantly as Dean clears his throat.

"They're here." He says. Connor nods and mind links the pack to stay inside while my dad makes sure my mom and Liz are tucked away in the bunker safely.

"Hope and I will stay in human form. The rest of you shift." Connor says calmly, but I can feel the torrent of emotions inside of him.

Anger, worry, disbelief, fear.

But also a fierce determination to protect. Not just me, but the pack.

He grips my hand tightly as we lead our group of warriors to where the border patrol stopped the council. I'm sure they won't be pleased that they weren't given free reign to enter the pack as they wished. Our border wolves are fierce and strong, as well as under strict Alpha's orders.

No one gets in.

Even the pack members that left were not allowed back within the boundaries until this mess was handled. Something Connor and I discussed at length, but we didn't want anyone trying to return in the middle of a battle.

'Breathe, Hope.' Connor practically whispers in my mind. I turn to him with a worried expression, but nod and take a few deep breaths. He squeezes my hand soothingly, and some of the tension in my shoulders release. Kade is walking next to me, and bumps my side playfully. I give him a small smile as a silent thanks for his support. I couldn't be more grateful to have him and my dad next to me.

I look around us, we look like quite the fierce group. Connor and I leading five huge wolves. I would be worried, if I were the other side.

The walk to the north entrance of the pack takes nearly twenty minutes. We could have driven, but we didn't want the council to think we were in a hurry to greet them.

There would be no ass kissing on our end. They made it clear this was not a social call.

As we round the bend, we see four of our border patrol wolves in their fur, circling a group of men, wolves still in their skin. There are some low growls of warning from our wolves, but nothing challenging. The men look entertained by their welcome, rolling their eyes, chuckling and speaking lowly to each other. The one in the middle spots us, his eyes widening as a grin flits across his face and his eyes twinkle mischievously. It's clear he is the most dominant wolf, the leader. When we are only ten feet away, he speaks.

"Alpha O'Leary! Quite the welcome party you have here!" He says motioning towards the wolves. Connor links them to retreat, and they go to stand on either side of us.

"We weren't sure the nature of your visit, an alpha can never be too careful with the safety of his pack. With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?" Connor asks, steady and firmly. His face would never betray the nerves below the surface.

"I am Leon, leader of the Werewolf Council." He says, still with a grin on his face. Connor merely nods, his face almost looking bored and I have to stifle a grin.

This man could win poker championships.

"And the purpose for your sudden appearance?" Connor asks and a look of irritation flits over Leon's face before he steels himself, his grin barely faltering. He clears his throat and motions to the other council members.

"Would you like me to introduce my colleagues?" He asks and I have already had enough of these pompous wolves. I shake my head and take a small step forward.

"Not until you tell us why you are here." I say, keeping my voice firm and neutral. This time Leon does not mask the irritation on his face. He pulls his lip back in a silent snarl and Connor steps in front of me, but I never waver, refusing to break eye contact.

"I was speaking to the alpha, girl." He says before turning his attention back on Connor. "Alpha O'Leary, it would be wise of you to teach your mate her place."